Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills

Preparing for graduate school can be confusing as an undergraduate student when there are so many options and factors to consider. Four UConn alumni shared key points of advice for the process and factors of consideration when it comes to graduate school.

From nine internships to graduate studies at Harvard, Rashana Weerasinghe has built a career rooted in learning, leadership, and community. Her story shows students that growth happens when you stay curious and lean on the people who support you.

At O&G Industries, Chief Human Resources Officer Beth Dupont is driven by one mission: helping students see what’s possible. As a UConn Career Champion, she connects education and industry to prepare the next generation of talent—reminding students that curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than any major.

Madison Love recounts her journey from UConn student to influencer marketing lead. Read more to learn the steps she took for career success!

Tessa Kalin recounts her experiences as an animal science student and professional. Learn about her educational journey and advice she has for current students!

Emily Alty is a current senior at the University of Connecticut studying Sociology and Environmental Studies on a Pre-Law Track. As a Division I athlete on UConn’s Track and Field team, she’s not just juggling academics and athletics — she’s mastering them. Spring 2025 graduate, she reflects on her college journey which has been filled with challenges, growth, and gratitude. Read along to see how her academic journey has encompassed her passion for environmental justice and human connection, as well as the desire to enact real change through policy and legal work.  

This Women’s History Month, we can do more than celebrate the past; we can take action to construct a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse future. While we have made tremendous strides, there are still significant barriers being faced by women …

Ava Sheard is a senior at the University of Connecticut, pursuing a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As a three-time Babbidge scholar, Ava has routinely demonstrated academic excellence, alongside exceptional leadership as President of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), Hospital Relations Captain for HuskyTHON, and a Research Assistant in Emily Myers’ Language and Brain Lab. Since attending UConn Storrs as a Spring-to-Storrs admit in 2022, Ava has exemplified ambition, resilience, and a remarkable ability to maximize ventures, leaving a legacy of success and meaningful impact on the university community.

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.