From First Day to Full-Time: Sonya Ortiz’s Journey at Kuraray America

At Kuraray America, Inc., an internship can provide more than a short-term technical experience. It can offer meaningful responsibility, exposure to real operations, and a clearer view of how a short-term opportunity can develop into a full-time role and kickstart a career.

Continuing our From-First-Day-To-Full-Time series, our second spotlight features:
🪪 Sonya Ortiz
👥 KAI Intern Cohort 2025
🏫 The University of Houston, Main Campus
📜 B.S., Mechanical Engineering
💼 Process Engineer, EVAL, Pasadena, TX.

During her internship, Sonya gained firsthand experience in a manufacturing environment and saw how engineering supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

An important part of that experience was the guidance of her mentor at KPAC, Bryce Smith. Bryce helped Sonya understand the process an engineer should take when approaching challenges and supported her as she learned more about the responsibilities of the role.

Currently, a Process Engineer at EVAL, Sonya is also grateful for the continued support of her manager, Verónica Pérez Guevara, as she builds on her internship experience and grows in her full-time role.

Watch the video to learn more about Sonya’s transition from a Mechanical Engineer Intern to a full-time Process Engineer.

Explore opportunities at Kuraray America and see where your own first day could lead. (Click here)