Student Spotlights

Case Western Reserve University students never cease to amaze us with their achievements and pursuit of experiential learning. Read about our students and their experiences that have advanced their careers while at CWRU.

Featured Spotlight

Anoushka Rajeev (CWR '25)

Major(s): Psychology and Business Management

Experiential Education Program: Internship

Organization/Company: Nexus Engineering Group and Howmet Aerospace

Responsibilities: "I am a human resources intern for Nexus Engineering groups and will assist their human resources department with event planning, interviews and scheduling and also job rotation while in the role. Over the summer, I am pursuing an opportunity as a sales intern for Howmet Aerospace and will have the opportunity to interact first-hand with wheel buyers and conduct sales activities for the company. "

Advice: "Always be open to new people and experiences, building relationships, and reaching out to mentors and support systems early."

Read about how Anoushka found an internship by volunteering at the career fair!

Student Spotlights

Judith Cusack (CWR '22)

Major(s): History, Sociology and Psychology

Experiential Education Program: Humanities @ Work

Organization/Company: American Historical Association

Responsibilities: "I worked in the marketing department, researching various universities and colleges in different states to determine they had history departments, and compile contact information of those that did.  This information allowed AHA to engage in outreach, touting membership benefits."

Advice: "Broaden your horizons. I am not a marketing major but doing work in a marketing department has still taught me valuable skills that can apply to my career goals."

Winston Kam (CWR '22)

Major(s): Art History and Materials Science and Engineering

Experiential Education Program: Humanities @ Work, Spring 2021

Organization/Company: Cleveland Museum of Art

Responsibilities: "As a Conservation Frame Intern, I gained knowledge and a basic understanding of materials, techniques and tools used when creating new gilded frame liners for works of art in CMA’s galleries. I developed basic gilding skills, prepared sample boards exposing all the layers in the process. Finally, I created three new gilded replacement liners and carefully fit them into the frames to be installed in the galleries."

Advice: "Be authentic and willing to learn!. Additionally, getting involved in something other than your field of study that relates to the internship is something that shows your flexibility and transferable skills."

Nicholas Kernan (CWR'23)

Major: Computer Science

Experiential Education Program: Remote Entrepreneurship Program, Summer 2020

Organization/Company: RoadPrintz Inc.

Responsibilities: "Writing a program that created "paintfiles", which were a series of instructions for where the robotic painthead needed to move in order to paint a symbol. Initially done manually, my program greatly improved efficiency and reduced set-up times."

Advice: "Seek CWRU programs that are trying to help you and take advantage of them!"

Jennifer Marer (CWR'22)

Major(s): English and Biology

Experiential Education Program: Humanities @ Work, Spring 2021

Organization/Company: Ideastream

Responsibilities: "I managed Instagram and Facebook posts for the arts and culture department and  wrote weekly articles on things to stream in Cleveland and I also authored an article on Asian American visual artists in Cleveland."

Advice: "In your cover letter, make sure to center the tone about how you can help the company rather than what you want from the company. Instead of saying, "I know I would gain great experience from this position," say "I am confident that my enthusiasm will benefit your team." Also give examples of ideas that you will bring to the company!"

Massado Ngompe (CWR'22)

Major: Chemistry

Experiential Education Program: Practicum

Organization/Company: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Responsibilities: "Synthesis and characterization of organic molecules; functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with ligand chelated to metal catalysts; optimization of reaction conditions for synthesis and electrochemical systems."

Advice: "Create a win-win situation for both you and the program/employer. Be intentional about what you want to learn from the experience. By doing so, it increases the chances of the program seeing you as a good fit as well."

Kellyn Toombs (CWRU '22)

Major(s): Biology and History

Experiential Education Programs: Career Connections, Humanities @ Work Microinternship, and Practicum 

Advice: "If you can't find a long-term internship or a paid job in the field you want to work in, remember to look for volunteer positions as well (while volunteering may not be an option in all fields, don't overlook it if you are pre-med or interested in working for non-profit organizations like museums). Volunteering will still provide you with new skills and work experience that you can add to your resume, even if you can only spare time on the weekends."

Graduating senior, Kellyn Toombs arrived at CWRU with a mission to succeed at building a career in museum studies. “A big reason why I chose CWRU is its proximity to so many amazing museums, so I have been keeping my eyes peeled for volunteer, internship, and job opportunities in these museums throughout my four years here,” said Toombs. 

Read more about Toombs' experiential learning journey at Case Western Reserve.