When Nick transferred to Cleveland State in Ohio from a large university in Florida, he was searching for more than just a new major. He was looking for a place where he could belong, succeed, and build a future. Now, as a college graduate with a degree in environmental science and a full-time internship with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nick is a successful example of what international students can achieve with the right support.
Read on to learn more about Nick’s journey from São Paulo to Ohio and how he is turning his passion for the environment into a promising career.
From São Paulo to Ohio: A Fresh Start
Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Nick came to the United States with the dream of making a difference. After a challenging start studying business at a large university in Florida, he realized it was not the right environment for him.
“I just didn’t do well. I was doing a major that wasn’t my interest,” Nick said.
Transferring to Cleveland State University in Ohio changed everything for him. “I don’t know if I chose Cleveland or if Cleveland chose me,” he added. Through Cleveland State Global’s UStart program, Nick found the second chance he needed. “Global supported me a lot throughout my degree.”
Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland State University offers a well-connected urban campus with strong academic programs and hands-on learning opportunities. With more than 175 undergraduate and graduate degree options, Cleveland State is known for its expert faculty, small class sizes, and strong connections to regional employers.
For international students, Cleveland State University stands out for its welcoming environment and dedicated support services through Cleveland State Global. Career development programs, academic advising, and personalized guidance help students thrive, both inside the classroom and out.
UStart, the program Nick chose, is designed specifically for international students to ease into their academic studies in the US. With a focus on foundational coursework, academic support, and intensive English instruction, UStart gives students time to adjust to life in Cleveland while earning credits toward their degree. For Nick, it was the reset he needed to get back on track and feel confident in his future.
Choosing Environmental Science
Nick’s passion for environmental studies goes back to his childhood in Brazil. “Since I was young, I studied the Amazon Rainforest. I actually had [a] goal in mind to preserve nature — preserve the Amazon,” he said. This early interest sparked his desire to study environmental science at Cleveland State University.
Nick has always been driven by a desire to make a difference, particularly through sustainability and environmental protection. Although he explored other paths, including business, he realized that true motivation only comes from doing what you love.
Gaining Professional Experience Through Cleveland State Global
Nick also worked for Cleveland State Global throughout his time at the university. “I worked with Global for about four years. They were always there for me,” he said. This experience helped him develop professional skills and gave him valuable insight into the university community.
He didn’t consider it just a job to pass the time — it became a role that helped him thrive academically, professionally, and socially. His time with Global also gave him the confidence to pursue real-world experiences beyond campus, leading to internships that opened the door to full-time opportunities.
How to Get a Job: Start with Internships
Nick’s journey into the professional world started with an internship at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), where he worked in the fisheries division. During this internship, he helped five biologists with population surveys on Lake Erie. The experience taught him valuable field skills and gave him a taste of what real-world environmental work was like.
“That was a very fun internship, but I felt like I wanted the experience of a more corporate role,” Nick explained.
Wanting to explore a different side of environmental science, Nick later landed a second internship with the Environmental Protection Agency. He now works full time as an auditor for the E-Check program, inspecting vehicle emissions testing stations across the state.
This full-time internship, which runs through spring, is already helping Nick pursue new opportunities. He is actively interviewing for permanent roles and exploring opportunities to continue building his career in this field.
From Classroom to Career
Even though his work involves technical knowledge not directly covered in class, like inspecting catalytic converters, Nick says Cleveland State prepared him well. “College teaches you how to learn,” he said. “You develop independence, research skills, and most importantly, the motivation to keep growing.”
He also credits Cleveland State University’s career services for helping him stand out. He made the most of resume workshops, interview prep, and career coaching offered through the Cleveland State College of Urban Affairs. “All of the career development programs were super useful, especially resume reviews. Your resume is really important, every word that you have there has to count,” he said.
He started his professional prep early, during his sophomore year. “College goes fast, and when it’s over, employers will be looking for students who have done the most that they could in college. They want that mindset,” he shared.
Advice for International Students: Start Early, Stay Focused
Nick’s biggest advice to international students looking to get a job after graduation? Don’t wait. “Have initiative, start early, don’t wait until your last year. Start building your resume and your skill sets right away,” he advised.
He also encourages students to look beyond big-name universities. Having attended both a large university in Florida and a mid-sized one (Cleveland State University), Nick knows the difference. “[At my old university], I felt like just a number,” he said. Advising appointments would get canceled or go unanswered, and the huge campus made it hard to make friends. “It took me 45 minutes to walk to class,” he added.
In contrast, Cleveland State University offered personalized support and a strong international student community. “I feel like I know all the South American international students, and we did end up getting close, because it’s smaller,” he shared.
Nick’s journey shows how international students can thrive in the right environment with the right major, a strong support system, and early career preparation. From São Paulo to Cleveland State University in Ohio, from internships to full-time roles, Nick turned his passion for sustainability and environmental preservation into a promising career. Explore how Cleveland State University can help you bring your dreams to life, just like Nick.
