Written by BBE student Eilee Keske
When Olivia Veloske chose the Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE) program at the University of Minnesota, she was drawn to its small class sizes and close-knit community. With a natural aptitude for math and science and a deep interest in environmental sustainability, she found the Bioproducts Engineering track to be the perfect fit. "The small class sizes helped me excel academically and build strong connections with my peers and professors," she reflects.
Throughout her undergraduate journey, Olivia gained diverse experiences that shaped her career path. Starting with an internship at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture after her freshman year, she explored the governmental side of engineering. The following two summers, she interned at a medical device startup, where she discovered her passion for working in smaller, dynamic companies. These internships, combined with her later work at the Department of Transportation on chemistry-heavy projects like bridge sampling, solidified her interest in process engineering and working in smaller organizations.
Today, Olivia is a Process Engineer at HBW Solutions, a small consulting company where she enjoys a collaborative and tight-knit environment reminiscent of her undergraduate experience. Since joining, she has taken on pharmaceutical projects across the globe. Her responsibilities include creating process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications, as well as collaborating with clients to commission and optimize systems. This role involves extensive travel to sites across the United States and internationally to destinations like Korea.
Over time, Olivia has developed an interest in automation, working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCS). Reflecting on her BBE coursework, she recalls not being particularly interested in process control and automation at the time. Now, it has become an area she is glad to have explored and continued to grow in.
One of Olivia’s proudest achievements has been leading her first major project, which allowed her to develop leadership skills by working closely with clients and mentoring new employees. "Consulting is always challenging and pushes you to grow," she said. "I’ve learned to wear many hats, from process design to automation, and I love how every project offers something new."
For current students or recent graduates aspiring to follow a similar path, Olivia offers this advice: "Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You have nothing to lose by applying for an opportunity, or asking questions in class." She emphasizes that the risks you take during school can lead to significant growth in your career.
Olivia’s journey from the University of Minnesota to HBW Solutions is a testament to the value of diverse experiences and embracing challenges. With her passion for engineering and consulting, she continues to make a significant impact in her field.