Alumna Lands Job Before Graduation

Aiken, SC (08/10/2020) — While the coronavirus may have thwarted plans for a traditional graduation ceremony, it had no impact on the job prospects for one Pacer.

Alyssah Ridley, Class of 2020, finished her degree requirements in May and expected to walk across a stage, get her diploma and then hit the job market. Instead, she finished her academic requirements virtually, including her internship with Savannah River Remediation, the liquid waste contractor at the Savannah River Site, and immediately started working there.

"[As part of my internship], I wrote a [computer] program for SRR that helped improved existing systems and saved the company money," she said.

"On top of that, I was a fast learner and adapted to the 3D technology they were using. They recognized how my skills could benefit them in the future and offered me a full-time position."

In just a few short months, Ridley went from student to intern to associate operations/technical training specialist, working for one of the area's most desired employers.

The SRR Team is responsible for the closure of underground radioactive waste tanks, safely reducing South Carolina's single greatest environmental risk.

"A career at SRR offers competitive salary, an attractive 401K, flexible work schedule, paid vacation, health benefits, and much more," according to the company's website.

Currently, Ridley is creating a dynamic 3D, augmented reality environment, using zSpace technology, which will be used for training purposes by SRR. Her education continues as she's learning to use many programs that will make the unique training experience possible.

She claims USC Aiken is part of her success to date.

"I felt that it was the best choice both financially and geographically. I enjoyed the smaller classrooms and the professor-to-student ratio," the Aikenite says. "USC Aiken is a good school, and I especially enjoyed my time in the mathematics/computer science department."

"All my professors were very supportive throughout my time at USC Aiken. They want to help you and want to see you succeed."

Self-described as "quite shy" Ridley encourages students to reach out to faculty early and establish a relationship with them.

Not only is Ridley working a position she enjoys with a company she respects, she's earning money she doesn't have to use to repay student loans.

"Throughout my years at USC Aiken, I worked hard and was awarded with several scholarships that allowed me to graduate loan-free," she said.

"In my senior year, I was nominated as one of the top computer science students, which led to my internship with SRR and eventually my full-time job."

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