In the early days of the pandemic, graduate students across the University of Connecticut’s College of Engineering were showing up to virtual classes unsure of themselves and unsure of the path ahead. Many were isolated, uncertain how to network, and unaware of the career development resources available to them. For Fayekah Assanah, Ph.D., this wasn’t just a teaching moment; it was a turning point.
Today, as an Assistant Professor in Residence in Biomedical Engineering and the Director of Engineering Education Initiatives, Dr. Faye is reshaping how graduate students engage with career readiness. Her journey, like many of her students, didn’t follow a straight line. Originally from Bangladesh, she completed her undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at the University of Virginia, earned her Master’s degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and later completed her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at UConn.
Dr. Faye’s story is shaped as much by what opportunities she did not have as by what she achieved. As a graduate student, she often felt disconnected from the broader university community and unaware of critical career development opportunities. That experience, particularly as an international student navigating U.S. academia, left a lasting impression. “When I was a student at UConn Health, I didn’t have access to many career resources,” she says. “I didn’t know what was out there, and that shaped my desire to make things different for my students.”
When she returned to UConn as faculty in 2021, she saw an opportunity to bridge the very gap she once faced. Partnering with the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, she designed Professional Development Courses at the College of Engineering that go beyond technical training. These one- and two-credit offerings are thoughtfully built around real-world career competencies. Every assignment and learning outcomes in the courses are tied to the NACE Career Competencies, so students know that what they’re doing in class has a direct connection to their professional growth.
Dr. Faye explains, “If a student designs a research poster and presents it, they’re not just checking off an assignment. They’re practicing scientific communication, critical thinking, and developing technical skills. I want them to see the value in what they’re doing.” Her courses integrate resume development, LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation, all supported through career center modules, giving students a hands-on, guided experience throughout the semester.
What makes her approach stand out is how deeply she emphasizes reflection. Students are encouraged to evaluate their progress, assess their growth, and tell their stories. “In the age of AI, anyone can write a generic cover letter,” she says. “But your story? That’s yours. It’s your fingerprint.”
She believes that “storytelling” is what helps students stand out, not just listing skills, but being able to explain where those skills came from, how they’ve grown, and what makes them unique. Through peer collaboration and interdisciplinary learning, students learn how to communicate across differences, reflect on their development, and begin to craft a professional identity that feels real and grounded.
Looking ahead, Dr. Faye is eager to grow the impact of her courses, bring more industry professionals into the classroom, and get students thinking about their careers much earlier in their academic journey. “Students shouldn’t wait until their final year to think about careers,” she says. “I want them to build those relationships and develop those skills from day one.”
She also believes every faculty member has a role to play in shaping student career success. “An assignment isn’t just something to grade. It’s a chance for students to grow. Every project is an opportunity to practice teamwork, communication, problem-solving, the very things they’ll use beyond graduation.”
“We’re already teaching. Let’s teach with intention.”
-Dr. Fayekah Assanah
To her peers across campus, she offers encouragement and an invitation, “We’re already teaching. Let’s teach with intention.”
Dr. Faye’s journey is a powerful reminder that career development doesn’t have to follow a script. For her students, she is creating space not just to succeed, but to reflect, connect, and tell their stories with confidence. Through her leadership and commitment, UConn’s graduate engineers are not only learning how to do the work, but they’re also learning how to own their story.
