Jane Ragland ’23, an accounting and economic consulting double major and member of ������Ƶ’s 3+1 Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program, is graduating with dual degrees after having an impressive four years of professional development at ������Ƶ.

The Marshalltown, Iowa, native completed an audit internship with KPMG after her sophomore year and secured a credit risk analyst internship with Goldman Sachs for the following summer. Interested in merging her favorite aspects of the two experiences, Ragland worked with the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) to determine her next career steps and negotiated a full-time role as an Internal Audit Analyst within the Private Wealth Management Team at Goldman Sachs.

Ragland recently shared about her experience working with the SPDC and how she leveraged her previous experiences to align her personal and professional goals.

What were you trying to accomplish when you met with the SPDC and what specific help did you receive?

I have used the SPDC numerous times throughout my ������Ƶ career, from resume reviews to LinkedIn headshots. Most recently, I used the advice from the professionals at the SPDC to gain clarity on where I wanted to begin my career.

What did you learn from working with the SPDC?

The SPDC helped me to reflect on what I was looking for in my first job out of school. As an accounting and economic consulting double major, I could go down two very different paths. Brooke Buffington, Cindy Sweeney and Lauren Bosselait all shared great insight, connected me with alumni, and helped me compare different opportunities to determine the best company fit for me.

How did your interest in working at Goldman Sachs develop?

I have always admired the ambition and excellence that Goldman Sachs represents. Throughout my early years at ������Ƶ, I attended virtual information sessions to get an inside look into the firm. In the summer of 2021, I also had the opportunity to complete Goldman’s Summer Insight Series. Following this, I applied to a 2022 summer internship and was elated to join the company as a Summer Risk Analyst within the Credit Research Group in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Tell me about your experience in landing this opportunity with Goldman Sachs.

During my time as a Summer Risk Analyst, I was blown away by Goldman Sachs’ company culture. Questions were not just encouraged, they were expected. The environment is designed to encourage learning, which pushes everyone to excel. Although I enjoyed my internship, I missed utilizing some of the skills I gained at my KPMG audit internship the summer prior. Knowing that I want to gain additional audit experience, I began looking into Goldman’s internal mobility process. This led me to Internal Audit in New York City. It’s the perfect fit. I get to build a foundation of internal control and financial services knowledge, hone my critical thinking skills, and work in my dream city, all while staying with the company I love.

What specific things about Goldman Sachs’ culture made an impression on you?

Something that really stood out to me about Goldman’s culture is the emphasis on learning. One of my favorite examples of this are “catch-ups,” where staff are encouraged to schedule meetings to learn more about how the firm operates and how roles are interconnected. Meetings are encouraged not only with members of your team but also with people from Goldman Sachs’ various departments and offices around the world.

What did you learn from your internship experience with Goldman Sachs?

During my internship, I challenged myself to take advantage of the “catch-up” culture and learn as much as possible from those around me. One of my favorite things to come out of this challenge was connections with ������Ƶ alumni. I reached out to ������Ƶ graduates across the country with experience in a mixture of Goldman’s divisions, from Asset Management to Equity Research to Internal Audit. During this process, I heard inspiring stories of how people navigated their careers from ������Ƶ to Goldman. These individuals also connected me with other professionals who further attested to the culture, opportunities, experience and community at Goldman Sachs. Soon I had a network of mentors whose advice gave me the confidence to begin my career.

Which other faculty members did you work with to prepare, and what help did you receive?

All of my accounting and economics professors have played an extremely important role in my career path thus far. Specifically, Dr. Tina Das, my advisor for the Business Fellows program, highly encouraged me to take advantage of the resources available at the SPDC. Additionally, my accounting professor Dr. Kevin Agnew, who has a background in internal audit, was a great mentor in my decision-making process. I owe a big thanks to Dr. Das, Dr. Agnew and many other ������Ƶ professors and mentors who have well prepared me for my Internal Audit role and helped me navigate the decision process.

What recommendations would you share with other students about the Student Professional Development Center?

Don’t be afraid to make an appointment or stop by the drop-in hours at the SPDC! Everyone I have worked with at the SPDC and in the business school’s Porter Center have always been extremely welcoming and helpful. The services offered at the SPDC are a major asset to campus, take advantage of them!

Chaput recently shared about how her professional journey was shaped by interactions with the SPDC.

When you met with the SPDC staff, what were you trying to accomplish?

As soon as I stepped foot on campus as a first-year student, I wanted to advance myself professionally. This looked like building my first resume and using designated private interview rooms, among utilizing other resources offered by the SPDC. These resources have given me immense confidence when going through the recruiting process for both internships and full-time jobs.

What did you learn from the experience working with the SPDC?

The SPDC has a resource for nearly every aspect of professional development and career-readiness. Some of my favorite resources that the SPDC offers include professional headshot photos, internship and job search appointments, interview preparation sessions and personalized business cards.

How did your interest in consulting develop?

During my first two years of college, I was a member of the ������Ƶ Professional Sales Team. While I determined that I wasn’t interested in a sales career, I enjoyed the nature of sales competitions and applying the skillsets I had cultivated through the team experience. I met with Cindy Sweeny in the Porter Center, who helped me to discover that sales and consulting require similar strengths. I went on to compete in the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) and Econ Games, which further revealed to me the variety of opportunities available within the industry and confirmed my desire to pursue a position in consulting.

How did having an internship in the consulting field prepare you personally and professionally for your full-time position?

Interning at MFR Consultants, which is a smaller consulting firm, also helped me acclimate to the industry environment and adjust to working in a larger urban environment. I grew up in a small city and ������Ƶ is considerably smaller than Accenture’s 730,000 employees worldwide. I really cherished the opportunity to intern in a more intimate environment before joining the largest organization I have ever been a part of.

Tell me about your experience in landing a full-time role with Accenture.

Recruiting in the consulting industry happens very early and has a short window. Knowing this, I spent a lot of my free time during this past summer figuring out when each firm opened applications for full time roles. Accenture’s career center allows you to set notifications for when applications open, which I utilized to immediately apply when the application opened in mid-July. I went through a few rounds of interviews and by the end of August, I was offered a full-time role!

What specific things about Accenture’s company culture made an impression on you?

I first heard about Accenture as a senior in high school through a teacher who had previously worked there and spoke very highly of the company. When I began to seriously consider which career path I wanted to pursue, I did more research into Accenture and admired the company’s history. Accenture’s ambition and dedication to innovation aligns with the impact I hope to make as a woman in business.

Which other faculty members did you work with to prepare for your job search and what help did you receive?

Brooks Depro formally introduced me to the Economic Consulting program and to a “consulting guide” that painted a picture of what I now understand consulting to be. The entire Economics Department have served as a support system for me throughout the past year and the journey I have gone through to get to Accenture. I would particularly like to thank my advisor, Katy Rouse, and Steve DeLoach.

What recommendations would you share with other students about the Student Professional Development Center?

It is never too early to get a head start on professional development. By taking advantage of resources early, I was able to seize opportunities through the business school that I would have never imagined achieving otherwise!

Simmons recently recounted how she landed her dream job due to working with the SPDC.

What were you trying to accomplish when you met with the Student Professional Development Center, and what specific help did you receive?

I utilized the Student Professional Development Center to get my resume reviewed and to prepare for an interview with the Carolina Panthers. I met with Ross Wade, a career advisor in the School of Communications, who supported me by conducting a mock interview. He provided helpful tips on how to stand out amongst other candidates, highlighted my strengths and discussed key talking points related to the position. Wade’s friendly demeanor helped to foster a collaborative approach to preparing for the application process. This made it easy to communicate and brainstorm ideas to prepare for the interview.

What did you learn from working with the SPDC?

Working with the SPDC taught me how to be confident during interviews. I learned how to highlight my strengths and articulate my professional skillsets.

How did your interest in working for the Carolina Panthers develop?

Growing up, I was a fan of the Carolina Panthers but never thought I would work for them or the NFL. When attending a game, I saw how the team’s energy transformed the entire city. I realized that I wanted to be part of this amazing organization and wondered how I could contribute my skills to the company. The advice I would give to anyone looking to land their “dream job” is to consider the company culture. For me, company culture is the most important aspect of a job.

I have learned through my professional journey that money is not most important component of a job. Rather, it is feeling like you are making a difference in the organization when you go to work every day.

What about the Panthers culture has made an impression on you?

The Panthers culture is one of a kind! They foster a community that encourages staff to communicate their ideas. The company values teamwork, and it’s reflected on and off the football field. Since November 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with other departments, which has given me insight into the organization’s structure.

The company also offers opportunities for employees to participate in various committees. I co-chair our ERG STRIDE, an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that highlights African American employees. The company fosters a culture where diversity, equity and inclusion are celebrated and highlighted. For example, I hosted events with STRIDE as we celebrated Black History Month. I have also been recognized within the organization and asked to participate in speaking engagements that recognize women and diversity in sports.

What specific skillsets were you excited to use in your role?

As a marketing coordinator, I utilize the skills I gained in ������Ƶ’s iMedia program to facilitate positive experiences and successful outcomes for the organization. The iMedia program helped me with my interview skills, as I had to interview for my role in the program’s mission project. Getting to interview and develop relationships with leaders in the organizations we worked with was very impactful. I cultivated a relationship with the owner of our mission project’s organization, which has resulted in using her as a reference in job applications.

What have you learned through your professional journey?

I have learned through my professional journey that money is not the most important component of a job. Rather, it is feeling like you are making a difference in the organization when you go to work every day. Learn as much as possible from your job and take things in stride. Once you feel like you have reached your full potential with one employer, see how you can apply the skills you’ve gained to your next professional step. Everything can become a building block to help you reach your next opportunity.

What recommendations would you share with other students about the SPDC?

I encourage current students and alumni to take advantage of the resources available at the SPDC to hone existing professional skill sets and learn new ones to prepare for career readiness and advancement.

The Pittsburgh-native started working with the SPDC as a first-year to learn more about intersections between academics and professional opportunities. After a fulfilling internship experience with KPMG, Jarek is excited to return to her hometown as a full-time audit associate once she graduates.

Jarek recently answered questions regarding her professional journey and the SPDC’s role in her trajectory.

What were you trying to accomplish when you met with the SPDC, and what specific help did you receive?

In my first year at ������Ƶ, I visited the SPDC to craft my resume and learn about career paths in accounting and business analytics. When I was ready to apply to internships, I talked with Danielle Golinski, Cindy Sweeney and Lauren Bosselait in the Porter Family Professional Development Center.

The advisors gave me tips on searching for internships relevant to my interests and helped me to update my resume. I also built confidence through participating in multiple mock interviews. The advisors were very supportive throughout the job search process and continued to be a part of my journey through accepting a full-time job. 

What did you learn from working with the SPDC?

Through appointments at the Porter Center, I learned what employers are looking for and how to put my best foot forward in a competitive job market. I also gained invaluable communication skills through mock interviews, the advisors’ constructive feedback helped me immensely. Additionally, the Sophomore Success and Accounting Meet the Firms events allowed me to make initial connections with recruiters, which was helpful when later applying for jobs.

How did your interest in working in the accounting industry develop?

I have been involved in Beta Alpha Psi, an Accounting and Finance Honors Organization, since my first year at ������Ƶ. The group brought speakers, often alumni, from various accounting and finance firms, which sparked my interest in public accounting. I connected with the speakers, who helped me learn more about the field.

Tell me about your experience in landing this opportunity with KPMG.

I landed an internship with KPMG after interviewing with several public accounting firms in the spring of my sophomore year. Research and interviews gave me a sense of the firms’ distinct company cultures. The career advisors talked through my impressions of each of the firms and helped me prioritize which people, and offer, was the best fit for me. I had the most natural conversations with the people at KPMG.

What specific things about KPMG’s culture made an impression on you?

KPMG has a highly supportive network in place for new hires and interns. Starting my first day, I was given associate and manager mentors to help me understand performance expectations and discuss my career goals. Having mentors made me feel like a valued part of the firm from the beginning. Everyone I met had a great attitude and wanted to get to know me personally and professionally. The meaningful connections were a motivating factor in my decision to return to KPMG upon graduation.

What did you learn from your internship experience with KPMG?

During my internship, I scheduled informational interviews with various professionals. They were all excited to share their career journeys with me, which showed me the culture of support at KPMG. I saw firsthand how motivated people are to solve problems and produce quality work. Additionally, I learned that each audit area has unique challenges, making each day exciting and new in the audit practice. Reviewing core accounting principles and learning about the client’s industry was interesting, as each client has a unique business model that factors into the audit.

Which other faculty members did you work with to prepare, and what help did you receive?

I worked with Professor Patty Cox, an accounting professor, who helped me prepare for my internship. When deciding which firm to accept an offer with, Professor Cox put me in touch with alumni who worked at the companies. I am so appreciative of her support and advice throughout my entire job search process!

What recommendations would you share with other students about the SPDC?

I recommend visiting the SPDC early on in your college career. It is never too early to start discovering your career interests, building your resume and establishing a relationship with career advisors. On the other hand, it’s never too late! No matter where you are in your job search, the SPDC has resources to support your journey. They have guided me through the early stages of developing a career plan to accepting the final offer.

Radhika Tawade ’23, a native of Cary, North Carolina and business analytics and supply chain management double major, transformed her academic interests into a professional opportunity as an integrated supply chain intern with Dow Chemical. Tawade will be returning to Dow’s headquarters in Michigan upon graduation to begin working full-time as a supply chain rotational program specialist.

Tawade used her classroom curiosities to inform the type of internships she was searching for. In a challenging job market, it took perseverance to find the perfect position. Tawade accepted a summer internship with Dow Chemical, which solidified her interest in the intersection between analytics and supply chain management. Tawade credits the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) for helping her to develop her personal brand during her job search.

We talked with Tawade to hear more about her experience working with the SPDC and its impact on her professional trajectory.

When you met with the SPDC staff, what were you trying to accomplish?

While moving through the job search process, I was regularly updating my resume. I utilized resume reviews to understand how to tailor different areas of my professional experiences and skillsets when applying to different positions and using that to my advantage in interviews. I met with Corinne Townley and Cindy Sweeney to ensure that I was representing myself well throughout the application process.

What did you learn from your experience working with SPDC?

When I was searching for an internship, I learned about patience and staying true to myself. It was at times frustrating to get rejected or hear no reply after multiple rounds of interviews. However, I was able to learn from past interviews to improve the next application.

How did your interest in the supply chain industry develop?

When I first started at ������Ƶ, I declared as a business analytics major. I was very interested in using visualizations and different analytical software systems to create business insights for companies. However, when the pandemic hit, I kept hearing about how supply chains were backed up.

I wanted to know more about what was going on behind the scenes with companies affected by these shortages. I became incredibly interested in how I could help companies analyze data and guide them through logistic system issues, so I added a supply chain management major into the mix. I’ve been able to learn so much from my classes at ������Ƶ and working at Dow this past summer solidified my love of the field.

Tell me about your experience in landing this opportunity with Dow Chemical Company.

I was added to projects that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was assigned to find better warehouse locations for our clients and create a cost-to-serve analysis of our options. I also helped create a database to store client information and create visualizations to update client status. This was one of my favorite projects, although it was extremely challenging to accommodate the changes in data. Throughout the project, I was also responsible for keeping everyone updated. I could tell that as the project grew and new people were added, information was getting lost and no one was keeping track of what was happening. So, after every new update, I made sure to set up virtual meetings or email threads to communicate updates to the team.

I fell in love with meeting new people and deciphering tough problems with colleagues. When I was offered to return as a supply chain rotation program specialist, I couldn’t say no!

What specific things about the company culture made an impression on you?

Every employee at Dow was welcoming and wanted to know more about me. Regardless of their position title, everyone I spoke with expressed interest in my projects. Through networking with people on other teams, I learned about different areas of the project I was working on. Everyone was very open to talking about their past work experience and how they worked their way up. If I needed to brainstorm with someone from a different department, they were always open to talk.

What recommendations would you share with other students about the SPDC?

I would recommend meeting with career advisors in the SPDC to update your resume and cover letter. Employers are always looking for talented people, so if you promote yourself well through these documents, you will enhance your hiring potential. Also, make sure to utilize mock interview appointments, they are a great way to practice interviewing skills!

Interning for Edelman, a global communications firm, has aligned her professional and academic goals to pursue healthcare in her post-graduate journey. She landed an internship with NYU Langone Health this past summer.

Torres Monteverde credits ������Ƶ for providing her with the skills and resources to make bold strides in the direction of her dreams. She recently answered questions regarding her professional journey and the role of the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) in her trajectory.

What were you trying to accomplish when you met with the SPDC and what specific help did you receive?

When I met with Amber Moser in the SPDC, I wanted to make sure that my resume and cover letter skills were polished. It is difficult to navigate the job search process as an international student, as many companies have specific visa requirements. Additionally, the SPDC helped me to prepare for interviews by practicing questions and providing me with the information and tools to succeed in my application process.

How did your interest in working for Edelman develop?

I started networking every week with ������Ƶ alumni who currently work at Edelman. Through colleague connections, I soon built a large support network. Everyone was very willing to help and had diverse backgrounds and experiences, which bolstered my interest in the position. I am grateful to my Edelman colleagues who have supported me throughout college.

Tell me about your experience in landing this opportunity with Edelman.

When I read the job requirements, it mentioned that candidates should be a rising senior or college graduate. At the time, I was a rising junior. Undeterred, I applied, networked, and did research to learn about the company. After four rounds of phone and video call interviews, I was notified with an amazing offer!

It was rewarding to see how dreams can come true through effort and dedication. It also affirmed the importance of applying to interesting jobs even if you don’t meet all the requirements, as you may have other skillsets that can set your application apart.

I used the skills and tools that ������Ƶ’s education has provided me with and proved to myself that I can reach anything in life if I invest the time, effort and dedication.

What specific things about Edelman’s culture made an impression on you?

The people and DEI culture were very rewarding elements of the internship, along with the projects and clients who I worked with. Although this internship was online due to COVID-19, I was able to participate in online activities that helped me to connect with my peers.

What did you learn from your internship experience with Edelman?

Interning for Edelman in the summer of 2021 changed the trajectory of my time at ������Ƶ. I discovered my passion and realized that I want to work in the healthcare field in the future. I used my communication skills through drafting DMRs and press releases, looking at databases and meeting with clients. I used the skills and tools that ������Ƶ’s education has provided me with and proved to myself that I can reach anything in life if I invest the time, effort and dedication. This internship led to my summer internship with NYU Langone in New York City.

Which other faculty members did you work with to prepare, and what help did you receive?

I must give a huge shout-out to Dr. Kenn Gaither, who has been my biggest role model and mentor throughout my time at ������Ƶ. He has mentored me for the past three and a half years through coffee chats, resume workshops and life advice. Thanks to him, I was able to connect with NYU Langone and get an internship this past summer. I also want to thank my advisor Assistant Professor Michele Lashley, who I could speak with for hours! Dr. Gaither and Dr. Lashley are my biggest inspirations and role models at ������Ƶ.

Looking forward, how has your professional experience influenced your career aspirations and plans for your life after graduation?

I will be going to grad school at NYU to obtain a Master of Arts in Bioethics! I am elated for this and for a full-time job after that. I’m excited to go to NYU’s School of Global Public Health and to work in the healthcare field!

What recommendations would you share with other students about the Student Professional Development Center?

Make use of the SPDC. There are endless services, activities and tools that you can utilize during your time at ������Ƶ and beyond!

Casl praises ������Ƶ’s Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) as a source of encouragement and advice throughout her internship search and interview process.

Through her 10-week experience with Xanterra, Kailey gained a greater understanding of hotel operations while cycling through six different roles. Kailey worked closely with the marketing team to write blog posts, visit on-site park facilities, and complete lodging finance and management classes, among other responsibilities.

We recently asked Casl to answer some questions about her experience working with the SPDC and subsequently landing her dream internship.

How did your interest in working for Xanterra develop?

I knew that I wanted to intern in a national park for the summer of 2022, but I wasn’t sure how to achieve this. My search began by researching which national parks offered internship programs that fit my needs. I then narrowed down my search to one role – hospitality intern for Xanterra Travel Collection in Yellowstone National Park.

When you met with the Student Professional Development Center staff, what were you trying to accomplish?

I met with Corinne Townley for a mock interview appointment to brush up on my interviewing skills and practice presenting myself in a professional yet personable manner. I had my heart set on this internship position and knew that I needed to impress in my interview. Corinne asked me a series of potential questions and afterward we reviewed where and how I could improve.

Tell me about your experience in landing this opportunity with Xanterra.

After applying for the role, I had two phone interviews, both about a half hour in length. I spoke with the International Programs Manager, who would later become my program director. I credit a lot of my interviewing success to practicing with Corinne, sending a thank you note, and expressing a lot of interest in the role.

What specific things about the company culture made an impression on you?

I was impressed by Xanterra’s commitment to sustainability. Xanterra’s employees work hard to embody their slogan, “hospitality with a softer footprint”. This stuck with me because not many major companies have a clear sustainability plan and initiative.

Looking forward, how has your professional experience influenced your career aspirations and academic pursuits back on campus?

Before spending time in Yellowstone, I had assumed that post-grad I would find a full-time position in a city like New York. Post-Yellowstone, my career aspirations have expanded to finding the right location for me. Slowing down for the summer helped me to realize that I may not want the fast-paced lifestyle of a major city and that I could be happy in a role out West, which I hadn’t considered prior to my internship.

What recommendations would you share with other students about the Student Professional Development Center?

Make an appointment today! All students searching for an internship, looking to maximize their LinkedIn profiles, or updating their resume should know that the Student Professional Development Center is the place to go for all things career development!

Robinson gives credit to ������Ƶ’s Student Professional Development Center’s (SPDC) staff for their support throughout the job search and hiring process that helped her land her role as an Yspaniola Fellow.

As a Yspaniola Fellow, Robinson is working to further the organization’s mission of providing marginalized communities with access to high-quality education. Robinson is helping to provide long-term solutions to deeper rooted issues.

Robinson recently answered some questions from the SPDC about her experience landing this prestigious position.

How did your interest in working for Yspaniola develop?

I have always had an interest in traveling and working in the international development industry. I was unable to complete my study abroad experience due to COVID-19, which made me even more motivated to search for a job or learning opportunity abroad. I was searching for job opportunities in the non-profit sector and came across Yspaniola, an organization that works with furthering children’s education and literacy in a very low-income area as well as documentation issues for Haitian-Dominicans. I was so excited because the fellowship seemed to be everything that I was looking for in terms of it being an international experience and a non-profit organization in the international development field. I saw that it was in the Dominican Republic, which was also very exciting for me since I am a native Spanish speaker and my minor is in Spanish, which has furthered my academic fluency. I knew that this would be a great opportunity and learning experience for me!

When you met with the SPDC staff, what were you trying to accomplish?

When I met with the SPDC, I was seeking help with the job search process, as it can be quite overwhelming. Specifically, I needed help finding websites and areas to search that would lead me to jobs in the field I am interested in. Once I found a job I was interested in applying for, I wanted to receive help with making sure my application and interview were up to par so that I would be hired.

Who did you work with, and what did you learn from your experience with the SPDC?

Rachael Rysz, my career advisor, gave me very helpful networking tips and advice on reaching out to the employers I was interested in ahead of the application process to learn more about the opportunity and show initiative. I also participated in career sessions provided by Paul Hvozdovic from the SPDC, who partnered with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education (CREDE)’s SMART mentoring program. Through my interactions with the SPDC, I learned how to utilize LinkedIn, the SPDC website and various job-searching sites.

What was your experience in landing this opportunity at Yspaniola?

I did a lot of research on the organization before applying. Once I realized how excited I was about this opportunity, I reached out to Rachel Rysz, who had been working with me to find the next right step. She recommended that I email one of the current fellows through LinkedIn to learn more about their experience and set up a meeting. The meeting went very well and I was certain that this was my next step post-������Ƶ. I wrote a cover letter and received help from staff members in both the CREDE and SPDC to revise it and prepare for my interviews. I went through two interviews and had to prepare a project plan, including how I would implement it from start to finish if I were to be hired. I received an email a couple weeks later letting me know that I received the position.

What specific things about the company culture made an impression on you?

The workplace environment seemed to be very friendly and positive. For example, one of the qualifications on the job listing that stuck out to me was a “good sense of humor,” which I believed to be a positive indicator that the workplace was friendly and open-minded.

What did you learn about the people, culture and work you will perform that made you want to pursue a career with Yspaniola?

Yspaniola seemed to tick all of my boxes in terms of people, culture and work. I wanted to be part of an organization that helps people to better support and help themselves, rather than providing short term solutions to deeper rooted issues and then leaving. Yspaniola’s mission statement specifically made an impact on me, “We believe in an inclusive Dominican Republic that provides access to high-quality education and promotes the human rights of all people.” This is something that aligns with both my personal and professional goals and made me want to further pursue my fellowship with Yspaniola.

Did you work with other staff or faculty members to prepare for the application process?

I received help from various staff members who work for the CREDE, specifically Sylvia Munoz and MJ Larrazabal, who really helped me prepare for my interviews and reviewed my cover letter. They were of tremendous help to me and I very much appreciate their unwavering support.

What recommendations would you share with other students about the SPDC?

I would recommend that students go to the SPDC with any questions or advice they may be seeking, even if it seems trivial. There are a lot of tools, resources and great advice that is available to and created for students’ benefit, take advantage of them!