Friday, January 23, 2026
Media Contact:
Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405 744 2669 | desa.james@okstate.edu
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.
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