They Started as Interns. They Stayed and Built Careers. Chapman alumni find long-term roles with hands-on learning and employer partnerships at OCTA

Megan Abba was a junior at Chapman University when she landed a paid, year-long internship at Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), writing press releases and drafting talking points. She liked it so much, she never left. The role became her first full-time job after graduation—and the foundation for a career in communications.

“What I appreciated most was the flexibility [the agency] gave me as an intern, along with the opportunity to do real, meaningful work right away,” said Abba, now a senior communications specialist with 11 years at the agency. “It made the transition to a full-time role after graduation feel seamless.”

Abba is one of many Chapman alumni who have turned hands-on internship experiences into full-time careers through partnerships with employers like OCTA. Her path reflects a broader Chapman-to-career pipeline that connects students with meaningful, real-world work—and helps employers identify prepared, motivated talent early.

Alumni say Chapman set them up for success. Small class sizes, collaborative projects, and real deadlines help students build confidence, communications skills, and the ability to work well with others.

OCTA, meanwhile, offers internships that mirror full-time work, trusting students with real responsibility early on. Like other employers that partner with Chapman, OCTA knows it’s getting candidates who are capable, reliable, and ready to contribute—qualities that have helped many Chapman graduates land internships and first-time jobs at the agency, often through Chapman connections and programs like OCTA Careers in Transportation and Chapman’s Career Fair.

“Recruiting from our local universities matters because these students understand the communities we serve and often have a personal connection to the region,” said Darrell E. Johnson, chief executive officer at OCTA and parent of a Chapman student. “Careers in public service offer a unique chance to give back, especially when you are working in the same community where you grew up.”

For Abba and other Chapman alumni, that preparation often started long before graduation.

Megan Abba ’16

The Anaheim native grew up just minutes from campus and was drawn to Chapman’s small class sizes and close-knit community.

During orientation week, a journalism professor encouraged Abba to join The Panther, the student newspaper. She worked at the paper for four years, eventually serving as its editor-in-chief.

“That was the best decision I made at Chapman,” said Abba, who earned a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in political science. “That experience taught me skills I still use every day.”

Now a senior communications specialist in OCTA’s Public Information Office, Abba serves as a media spokesperson, supports crisis communications, and helps translate complex transportation projects for the public. One highlight was supporting the I-405 Improvement Project from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting.

Her advice to students: take advantage of the opportunities in front of you—student organizations, internships, and career events.

Clara Brotcke, ’24

The pandemic cut short Clara Brotcke’s internship and study abroad plans as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh. After graduation, the Santa Ana native knew she needed a graduate program with career-building opportunities and a strong professional network. Chapman University fit the bill.

Brotcke chose the master’s program in leadership development and in short order secured internships with OCTA, first in the contracts department and later in public outreach. Working across teams helped her identify the work she enjoyed most: communicating with people, tracking policy, and supporting public-facing efforts.

The experience gave her the confidence to apply for a full-time role as a government relations representative at the agency, which she secured nearly a year before graduating. With support from her supervisor, she continued working full time while completing her graduate coursework at night. Her work in government relations now impacts the very neighborhood where she grew up. 

She credits Chapman with much of her success.

“At the end of the day, a job can be learned,” Brotcke said. “People skills also can be, but not as easily, and Chapman’s programs are structured to really prepare you for interacting with people in the workplace.”

Megan Bornman, ’14

Megan Bornman didn’t have a clear career path when she transferred to Chapman after two years at community college, but she knew she wanted options—and opportunities to explore them.

“I only had two years left of college, and I wanted to make the most of it,” said Bornman, who earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. “Chapman was a better option in terms of class sizes and having more control over my schedule—it was just what I wanted out of that last bit of college experience.”

An internship with OCTA’s procurement team helped her expand her experience beyond retail and gain professional experience while finishing her degree. The experience gave Bornman a front-row view of how major transportation projects come together, from vendor selection to contract administration. When a full-time position opened, she was ready to apply.

As a principal contract administrator at OCTA, Bornman supports large capital projects across the agency, helping procure the vendors who plan, design, and build critical infrastructure. She has remained on the same team since her internship began, taking on greater responsibility and mentoring newer interns along the way.

Her advice for students: present yourself well in interviews, and don’t be afraid to network and connect with alumni and others in industry for resources.

Lauren Sato, ’17

Lauren Sato came to Chapman to play basketball at a high level and get a quality personalized education. The demands of life as a student-athlete—balancing travel, practices, and coursework—built discipline and problem-solving skills she uses every day.

“My experience as a student-athlete gave me a strong foundation with time management and teamwork,” said Sato, who earned a bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Policy, minoring in Business Administration and Integrated Educational Studies. “Chapman’s student-athlete-specific resources and programs were also very beneficial.”

Sato first learned about OCTA at a career fair. She hadn’t initially considered working for a transportation agency, but its paid internship in strategic planning and environmental programs caught her attention. The internship led to a permanent part-time role while she pursued a graduate degree, followed by full-time work at the agency.

Now, as a senior transportation analyst, Sato oversees the agency’s annual Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan and works on climate and sustainability efforts, including OCTA’s first Climate Adaptation and Sustainability Plan. “I’m really fortunate to work with incredible colleagues and a supportive management team,” she said.

Her advice for students: take advantage of your status as a student. Reach out to professionals in roles you’re curious about, ask questions, and use the resources available through Chapman and student organizations.