Joshua Lavra
	2011
	Chemical Engineering
	Air Liquide
	ALLEX Engineer

What do you do in your current position? As an ALLEX engineer with Air Liquide, every 6 months for 2 years I will travel across the US (and potentially Canada or France) and try out different jobs (4 jobs total). The jobs that I choose are based upon my interests and can range from working as a plant engineer to a business analyst. It's a great way to gain a lot of experience in two years and find a job that really matches my interests.

How has your PSU engineering education/experiences helped to get you where you are today? Companies today aren't looking for just a graduate with an engineering degree, they need well rounded employees. Penn State not only helped me graduate with a degree in chemical engineering, PSU also enabled me to develop advanced communication and presentation skills, work with a range of different teams, and gain real life working experience through an internship. Both my experiences in and outside of the classroom set me up for a great job right out of college.

How has your experience as an EA impacted your professional life so far? Ambassadors helped me to really hone my communication and presentation skills - something that has proven invaluable in the real world. EA also taught me to become a "linchpin" in everything I do by taking initiative, being innovative, taking upon leadership, and making something happen everyday.