Project Managed
Ohio Wesleyan Senior Completes Florida Internship, Secures Related Job After Graduation
Name: Kathy Habian '25
Hometown: Medina, Ohio
High School: Cloverleaf High School
Major: Business Administration (Management)
Minors: Finance and Data & Society
OWU Connection Experience: Internship with Northrop Grumman Corporation in Melbourne, Florida.
Habian earned an OWU-funded Blaine E. Grimes Grant in 2024 to support a 12-week project management internship at Northrop Grumman, a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. The company seeks to equip its clients with "the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe."
"I chose this OWU Connection experience because I wanted hands-on exposure to project management in a real-world setting," Habian says.
"As I explore potential career paths, this opportunity allowed me to expand my knowledge and refine my professional goals. I was particularly drawn to the chance to learn about the defense contracting industry because it's a field that plays a unique role in both business and national security."
Powerful Projects
"During my internship, I was responsible for several key tasks that contributed to the smooth operation of our program team. My main project was titled 'The Day in the Life of a Control Account Manager (CAM),' a role that project managers in defense contracting often assume to support earned value management (EVM).
"EVM is a critical technique in this industry, used to measure project performance and forecast future outcomes based on objective data. Its main purpose is to compare budgeted costs to actual results, allowing the team to make necessary adjustments for better project alignment.
"Through this project, I gained a deep understanding of how EVM drives accountability and strategic decision-making within projects. Additionally, I gained experience in risk management, resource planning, and proposal development, which broadened my view of project oversight.
Another significant project I worked on was optimizing our team's cyclical project management calendar. This task involved coordinating timelines, identifying key project milestones, and ensuring that all activities aligned with the program's goals and deadlines. This project strengthened my time management skills and provided experience in resource planning which enhanced my ability to think strategically about workflow and project efficiency."
Valuable Skills
"My favorite moment from the internship was my final presentation to my program team. After a summer of learning and tackling various projects, it was incredibly rewarding to share the work I accomplished. …This experience boosted my confidence in my project management skills and my ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments, which reinforced my excitement to take on more complex challenges in the future."
Mentor Support
"Professor (Jon) Younkman has been a great mentor to me throughout my time at OWU. He has served not only as my academic advisor but also as my professor for various finance courses. He has encouraged me to push myself to work hard, keep my academic interests open, and take on challenges that expand my knowledge and skills.
"Beyond just providing academic guidance, he has been a source of support in helping me navigate my career interests. His mentorship has played a key role in helping me identify my strengths and refine my goals as I prepare for life after graduation." (Younkman, MBA, is an assistant professor in OWU's Department of Economics and Business.)
My Involvement Outside the Classroom
"On campus, I am an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta, where I've served as event director and vice president of membership. I am also deeply involved in the business department, participating in programs such as the Woltemade Economics and Business (WEB) Fellows and the Corns Business and Entrepreneurial Scholars. Additionally, I serve on The Woltemade Center Student Board and the Economics and Business Department Student Board."
These lessons have provided me with a strong foundation as I move forward in my career exploration."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because I was offered a spot in the WEB Fellows program, which immediately caught my attention as a way to deepen my business education. I was also impressed with the many ways to get involved in the business department and across campus, such as the various student organizations and leadership programs.
"What stood out to me about OWU was the flexibility and the encouragement to explore different opportunities regardless of my major. I loved that OWU provided an environment where I could try new things and develop both academically and personally.
"When I first came to OWU, I knew I wanted to pursue something related to business but wasn't entirely sure which path was the best fit. Through my coursework and various experiences, I explored different aspects of business and discovered that the Business Administration major was perfect for me. This choice has allowed me to build a strong foundation in areas I'm passionate about while keeping my career options open for the future."
My Plans After Graduation
"After I graduate, I will be moving back down to Melbourne, Florida, where I will be working at L3Harris Technologies, another defense contractor, as a contract administrator. I'm excited to continue my professional journey in the defense contracting industry while also exploring a new role and expanding my horizons.
"Ohio Wesleyan has been instrumental in preparing me for this next step by providing a strong foundation in business principles through coursework, along with valuable hands-on experiences. Programs like the WEB Fellows and the Corns Scholars have equipped me with both technical knowledge and practical skills that I can apply in my new role."