Alumna Nicole Gutierrez, B.A. ’23, Lands Job at Global Fragrance Company

New Schmidt College of Science graduate Nicole Gutierrez, B.A. ’23, has already landed a scent-sational job with COSMO International Fragrances in the research and development (R&D) department. COSMO is a global fragrance company with production plants, creative centers, and R&D sites in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

She was offered the position following an internship with COSMO earlier this spring that she completed as part of the  College’s Science Internship Course (IDS 3941). In her new role as a testing laboratory analyst, Gutierrez will conduct instrumental efficacy tests using specialized equipment to quantitatively assess product performance in the R&D lab. Her position involves comprehensive support across the entire in-house testing process, that includes tasks such as volunteer recruitment, consent form creation, lab tests execution, data result organization and interpretation, report finalization, and maintaining lab cleanliness.

Gutierrez recently graduated from Florida Atlantic in the summer of 2023, with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, and a minor in Psychology. Gutierrez shared that she was drawn into the field because of her passion for both science and cosmetics.

“As graduation neared, uncertainty about my future worried me,” said Gutierrez. “That’s when I got the opportunity to intern at COSMO International in the R&D lab for three months. The experience allowed me to delve into the world behind cosmetics – from creating formulations to product launches. It was like uncovering a new dimension of science and beauty. I found myself captivated by the entire process and blending my two passions – science and cosmetics – has been incredibly inspiring and fulfilling.”

Gutierrez also shared that her undergraduate days at FAU helped to prepare her with essential skills for a career in the sciences, such as hands-on lab experience, procedure adherence, scientific report writing and thinking, and time management skills.

“FAU played a pivotal role by equipping me for the professional realm,” she said. “The university’s Career Center provided valuable tools for interview preparation. Additionally, I took a science seminar course that introduced me to various career avenues, broadening my perspective on potential roles in the science field.”

In addition to the Science Internship course for all science majors, the Schmidt College of Science offers a  Medical Shadowing Internship Course (IDS 4934)  for students on the Pre-Health track. For those students interested in pursuing professional training and experiences that are unrelated to science or medical fields, FAU’s Career Center offers the Professional Internship Course (IDS 3949). All three internship courses can be taken for credit toward degrees and the range of internship opportunities available allows students to choose the one that best aligns with their individual career goals.

“Internships give students the opportunity to put their education into practice and connect what they learned in the classroom to their future careers,” said Evonne Rezler, Ph.D., Schmidt College of Science Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. “Students receive real-world experience in their field of study, and through the College’s Science Internship and Medical Internship courses we make these experiences available to all science majors and all Florida Atlantic students on the Pre-Health track. Internships offer the chance to network which can (and often does) lead to job placement and exciting career paths as we see in Nicole’s successful career path. In the near future, the College seeks to expand internship opportunities for our students.”

As for current students who are thinking about pursuing an internship, Gutierrez encourages them to take the leap and give it a shot.

“As my parents instilled in me, always give your best effort, regardless of the endeavor,” she stated. “Unexpected outcomes are possible! I never anticipated landing a job right after graduation, but it happened to me because I took the chance, and it can happen to you, too. Even if a job offer isn’t immediate, you gain experience and make incredibly worthwhile connections.”

Click here  to learn more about exciting internship opportunities in the College.