Taking stellar strides: Success from NASA to the FDIC

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Trinity Miller, a senior at Youngstown State University is on track to graduate a year early with double majors in accounting and finance. A native of East Palestine, Miller’s journey to YSU was influenced by a combination of proximity, affordability and scholarship opportunities.

"I knew I wanted to be close to home, and YSU offered me a lot of financial support," Miller said. "The small campus size also appealed to me because I came from a small high school."

Her time at YSU has been shaped by not only the academic programs but also the resources, faculty, and facilities that have supported her career development. Miller is particularly grateful for YSU’s commitment to student success and community involvement.

Miller has taken full advantage of YSU’s academic offerings. A standout experience was her Excel class, where she received an expert certification at no extra cost. In addition, she participated in an international business class through X-Culture, a global expert certification program. Through this program, she collaborated with peers from around the world to help a real company overcome barriers to market entry.

Miller has also been dedicated to community involvement through YSU-sponsored programs such as the WCBA Dare to Care days, volunteering for the RICH Center for Autism and Habitat for Humanity Restore in Struthers. She has participated in volunteer programs during each year of her studies at YSU.

As president of the Economics Club, Miller has been able to network with professionals and gain valuable leadership experience. She also credits events like YSU’s Meet the Employers Day for helping her secure multiple internships with companies like Ernst & Young and Cohen & Company. Miller’s most recent internship was with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which she secured after messaging a guest speaker from one of her economics classes on LinkedIn. She has since been offered a full-time role, with that same guest speaker as her primary supervisor.

Prior to those opportunities, Miller kicked off her professional career by securing an internship with NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland at just 18 years old, through which she was able to earn credit toward her degree at YSU. This role, which she learned about through a Facebook post her father showed her, allowed her to work with cutting-edge technology and earn several certifications.

“It’s every kid’s dream to work at NASA. The opportunity was great because it helped in my professional development so much,” Miller said. “It was a really good stepping stone and opened the doors for all my other internships.”

Miller heartily credits YSU faculty for much of her success. She specifically mentions Mary Coller, director of Student Services and her academic advisor; Betty Jo Licata, Interim Dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration; Christina O'Connell, executive director of the Center of Career Management; Jessie Wright, assistant professor of accounting and finance; and Sarah Jenyk, senior lecturer of economics for their guidance in career decisions, resume preparation and interview skills.

Miller's YSU experience extends beyond the classroom. She participated in a global exchange trip to Italy through the Williamson College of Business Administration, meeting CEOs of major companies and gaining valuable insights on her desired career path.

After graduation, Miller will continue her work with the FDIC as a Financial Institution Specialist, where she will begin the process of becoming a commissioned bank examiner. She looks forward to further developing her career in the government sector, with plans to work her way up to higher positions. Her long-term aspirations include potentially becoming a special agent.

When asked what kinds of advice she would give to other aspiring professionals, Miller said, "Get involved early with clubs and activities. Don't be a 'drive-through' student. YSU is a great place to create memories and set up a foundation for yourself. Networking is crucial - put yourself out there and don't be afraid to try new things."