Laila Stein, aviation flight science, aviation management and operations, B.S.‘23 in the cockpit, door open smiling at the camera.

A Fearless Flyer

"The College of Aviation has been nothing but supportive of what I want to do and given me every access and every tool that I could ever need to succeed." —Laila Stein, aviation flight science, aviation management and operations, B.S.‘23
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Laila's senior thesis is helping to shape her own college’s mental health support for future students and pilots. Her faculty and advisors pushed her to delve deeper into the research, earning her recognition in broader circles and an invitation to speak on a panel at the University of North Dakota Aerospace Symposium on Mental Health.

Zabihullah "Zabi" Najafi came to Western after escaping war and violence in Afghanistan. Now this Medallion Scholar is focused on becoming an advocate for other refugees. The international and comparative politics major visited the United Nations Headquarters and Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Employer-sought skills

Graduate with change-ready knowledge such as complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, judgment and effective communication.
Dr. Qingliu Wu holds a class in his lab at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences in Floyd Hall. Along with his students, they are working on lithium-ion battery research funded through a previous $9.6 million dollar grant.

The research university advantage

Experience rare opportunities to participate in undergraduate research beginning as early as your first year.
Yewon Lee, who is double majoring in aviation maintenance technical operations and aviation flight science, is interning with the avionics install team at Duncan Aviation in Battle Creek. In the internship, she's learning how to route wires in aircraft.

Internship opportunities

Paid internships are available starting in your sophomore year through the Broncos Lead Internship Program.

Design for good

Bobby Snell, industrial and product design, B.F.A.‘21

Bobby landed a job designing dog toys for BARK in New York City. He developed the highly sought-after expertise while pursuing a product design degree at Western's Richmond Institute for Design + Innovation. The program's deep immersion in the marketplace allowed Bobby to successfully launch two product patents before completing his degree.

Dream job

Brandon Harlin, sports management, B.S.‘22
Player Engagement Coordinator, New York Giants

Now the Player Engagement Coordinator for the New York Giants, Brandon credits his instructors at Western who were personally invested in his success. Thanks to their support, he landed a senior internship with Bronco Athletics that led to his dream job.

9 of 10

Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like*

93%

of graduates participated in experience-driven learning*

97%

of students had instructors who made them excited about learning*

Pursue justice

Jayla Williams, criminal justice, B.A.‘23
Sadek Law PLC, legal assistant

Jayla helped crack homicide cases, working alongside Michigan State Police detectives, through WMU’s Cold Case Program, a first-of-its-kind partnership that has garnered national media attention on the "Today Show" and "48 Hours," among others.

*WMU collected data for 3,458 graduates, of which 2,434 were employed full time, 65 were employed part time and 703 employed their degree to gain admittance to graduate school or were otherwise continuing their education. 2021-22 Career Outcomes Report, wmich.edu/about/facts