In 2020, COVID-19 shutdowns prevented ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students from working their summer internships. In response to the problem, the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship created the Remote Entrepreneurship Project (REP) Program, pairing students with startups across the country for a remote internship experience. Many of those students have since graduated from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and have made strides in their careers. See how the REP program impacted their career trajectory.
(CWR '22)
What are you up to now?
I am currently job searching for positions in the tech industry, specifically as a software developer, UI/UX designer, and/or project manager. With one semester left before finishing my bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, I hope to explore career opportunities through ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s alumni network and the network I built through my work experiences.
How did your time as an REP intern impact your career trajectory?
Prior to interning for Apartment List as a REP intern, I was looking for electrical engineering internships. Getting the opportunity to work as a software engineer intern, I was able to determine that I am more passionate about software than hardware. The REP internship helped me realize that I want to work in the tech industry after graduation.
Before you applied for the REP program, did you have another internship planned that was impacted by COVID?
Before applying for the REP program, I had an electrical engineering internship with an aviation company. However, due to the uncertainties of COVID-19, all internships for the company got canceled. The REP program matched me with Apartment List for a 6-week virtual internship where I was able to explore how design and software work together to deliver business goals. It also gave me the opportunity to network with individuals with ranging roles and even meet the founder of Apartment List, John Kobs. Through these conversations, I left feeling better equipt about my career trajectory and knowing I have resources if I get stuck along the way.
How did ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, REP and other ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ programs prepare you for your work now?
The experiences at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ that influenced my career trajectory the most include ENTP+ (entrepreneurship club), REP Program, Women in Tech - Professional Development Scholars Program (PDSP), Introduction to Connected Devices (ECSE 377), and Technology Management & Silicon Valley Trek (VEAL 333). ENTP+ introduced me to entrepreneurship and allowed me to participate in my first design sprint. While the REP Program gave me the opportunity to experience software development firsthand and understand the complexities of running a business. Similarly, PDSP gave me insight into the tech industry, however, from the female perspective. Lastly, ECSE 377 and VEAL 333 introduced real-life industry problems in the classroom and fostered peer-to-peer discussion and collaboration like in industry.