Gaining internship opportunities can be an overwhelming process, however, accessing the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills resources can be a guiding light through the process. Take Calla Kutschke, a sophomore Environmental Engineering major at UConn, as proof! From attending career fairs, utilizing our AI resume analyzer (Quinncia), and scheduling career coaching appointments, Calla was able to gain multiple internship experiences. Read on to learn more about Calla, her experiences on and off campus, and her advice for students of the Women’s affinity community.
As STEM major at UConn, Calla is aware of the obstacles women face in the workforce and higher education and how her path is leading her into a male dominated field. According to the Pew Research Center, 4 in every 10 working women in the United States say they have faced discrimination in their job due to their gender. These women reported earning less than a man while doing the same job, receiving less support from management, and even being treated as incompetent. Despite knowing all of this, Calla still feels fortunate to have the opportunities and resources on campus to help her prepare for her future in environmental engineering.
While any internship, job, or co-op process can be tedious, a big recommendation she gained from supervisors in her aspiring career field is to take a shot at anything that interests you, and use the resources offered by the university.
“The career fairs are very beneficial for connecting students with employers and allow us to become comfortable with the processes associated with finding a job or internship.”
– Calla Kutschke
While making an effort to attend career fairs on campus, Calla found that employers were interested in offering active learning and hands on opportunities. Inspired by these previous interactions, she navigated to the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills webpage and started using the Center’s AI resume analyzer, Quinncia, to prepare her resume for future review at career fairs. Calla notes that this process was integral in allowing her to be able to gain off-campus experience as an Engineering Intern at the Chelmsford Department of Public Works in Massachusetts during the summer.
Calla mentions that one of her best experiences on campus has been being a member of the SWE (Society of Women Engineers). Being a member has aided her in enhancing many career competencies (like Critical Thinking and Professionalism), through meeting with company representatives and gaining advice from other students in the Women’s affinity community.
“I recommend getting on Handshake and getting started as early as possible. It is never too early to start pursuing experiences and being proactive in your own future is very important.”
– Calla Kutschke
Through knowing where resources on campus are, and how they can be catered to certain identities you may align yourself with, you can find success in gaining positive professional experiences off and on campus. If you are interested in seeing what resources we offer members of the Women’s affinity community, please check out our webpage!
