Fostering Connections Through Belonging Blueprint: Linda Graves’ Student Success Story
As students, faculty, and community members moved between project displays at the 2026 UConn Hartford micro-internship showcase, Linda Graves ‘27 (SSW) presented her project, titled Belonging Blueptrint, culminating weeks of work with faculty and community …
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.
Dr. Clara Ramirez earned her BSE in Mechanical Engineering and BA in German Studies in 2020, followed by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UConn in 2024. She now works as a Lead Model-Based Systems Engineer at Johnson Space Center. She encourages students to be intentional, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and stay curious as they navigate their careers.
For Khadija Sana, accounting became a passion early on and has grown through meaningful experiences at UConn. From working with clients through the VITA program to learning from mentors across campus, she has developed the skills, discipline, and perspective needed for a successful career in the field.
In the early days of the pandemic, many UConn engineering graduate students logged into virtual classes feeling uncertain, isolated, and unsure of where to find career support. For Dr. Faye, this moment became a catalyst. Now an Assistant Professor in Residence and Director of Engineering Education Initiatives, she is transforming how graduate students engage with career readiness.
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.
When Matt Croteau graduated from UConn, he didn’t have a set plan, but by staying curious, embracing competition, and saying “yes” to new opportunities, he built a career that took him from psychology student to leading enterprise sales in New York City.
Aayushi Verma, a second-year PhD student in UConn’s School of Computing, who is growing as both a researcher and a leader. Through her work with the John Lof Leadership Academy and the GradLife Committee, she exemplifies how leadership can drive personal and professional growth in graduate education.
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.
How are the 2025 Career Readiness Faculty Fellow Cohort enhancing their curriculum with career development strategies?
