CEAT Professional Development helps student discover career

CEAT Professional Development helps student discover career

Friday, January 23, 2026

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405 744 2669 | [email protected]

What began as a search for a campus job turned into a career-defining experience for Oklahoma State University student Elaina Hinkle.

Hinkle, a computer science major, recently accepted a position with a fire prevention company near Atlanta, where she will develop programs that process inspection data and support fire protection analysis. Her path to that role was shaped by two years working as a student employee with the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology's extension unit, Professional Development.

Hinkle arrived at OSU intending to pursue engineering, inspired by her experience in Project Lead the Way robotics during high school. While she enjoyed engineering problem-solving, she soon realized her strongest interest was in coding. She later switched her major to computer science but found herself unsure of what career direction to pursue.

"I felt very lost career-wise," Hinkle said. "My ambition was originally to work for NASA, but I didn't really know what my backup plan was."

That uncertainty led her to explore student employment opportunities beyond what she had previously considered. She applied for a position with CEAT PD and initially assisted with student registration and unloading materials for the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering program classes, but her role quickly expanded.

Over time, Hinkle supported nearly every aspect of the program, from facility organization to lab setup and instructional materials. One of her largest projects involved redesigning the binders used in fire protection courses, as well as helping overhaul course materials alongside faculty and staff.

As her responsibilities grew, so did her exposure to the fire protection industry.

"Everyone in the fire industry has been very friendly and genuinely wants the best for others," Hinkle said. "I remember the first day I got to open a fire hydrant. I couldn't wait to go home and tell my roommates how cool my job was."

Working in the lab and alongside industry professionals helped Hinkle identify gaps between field needs and existing tools. She began thinking about how artificial intelligence, virtual reality and custom software could improve inspection processes and data collection.

Those ideas resonated with employers. Conversations at career fairs led to referrals, industry connections and ultimately a job offer that blends her interests in computer science, communication and fire protection.

In her new role as a fire protection consultant, Hinkle will help develop custom applications for field teams to streamline data collection and reporting. She will also contribute to fire and smoke modeling for new construction projects while training toward a professional engineering license.

"My time with OSU prepared me for both the fire protection side and the work process side," she said. "I learned how to streamline workflows, manage complex tasks and understand what professionals in the field actually need."

Hinkle credits her student employment experience with helping her envision a future she had not previously considered.

"It's hard to imagine day-to-day work with just a degree title," she said. "Talking to professionals and getting real exposure makes all the difference. One conversation can open doors you didn't even know existed."

Her journey reflects the broader impact of student employment at OSU, where hands-on experiences help students discover new passions, build professional confidence and chart meaningful career paths.