Name: Maja Dulic ’27 
Majors: Applied economics and finance 
Hometown: Kecskemét, Hungary 
Student-Athlete: Water polo 

Maja Dulic, an international student at Pacific, sharpened her business skills by tackling real-world challenges during her summer internship helping run a program and event center in her hometown in Hungary. A double major in applied economics and finance, Maja chose Pacific for its close-knit classes and rigorous academics that encourage critical thinking. 

With the goal of interning near her hometown, Maja worked with her faculty advisers to secure funding through Pacific’s Nathan Scholars program, which provides economics majors and minors the opportunity to earn academic credit and a stipend while gaining first-hand experience in professional settings. Thanks to the program, Maja worked in a financial and operational role at Tanyacsárda Ltd., a restaurant and program center nestled in the countryside just outside her hometown. 

“I wanted to find something close to home so I could stay near my family. I searched in my local neighborhood and came across Tanyacsárda Ltd,” Maja said. “They were really interested and excited about the opportunity to have someone studying in the U.S. intern with them.” 

An internship with range and responsibility 

Maja says the program center offered her a wide range of responsibilities across departments and gave her a holistic view of operations. She managed the company’s online presence and ensured that their website and social media platforms were running smoothly. Maja also supported the finance team, where she was able to apply the skills she gained as an economics and finance major. 

“I assisted with financial tasks and got a first-hand look at the company’s accounting systems,” Maja said. “It was really insightful to compare those processes to what I had learned in school, and I gained a much deeper understanding of financial operations in a real-world context.” 

Maja says working with the restaurant’s economic and financial director was one of her internship highlights. She collaborated with him to analyze data and apply it to strategic decisions that boosted revenue and efficiency. Drawing on her economics education, Maja applied data-driven thinking by analyzing situations, adapting in real time, and transforming theory into action.  

She gained a behind-the-scenes view of daily operations through handling phone calls, responding to customer questions, and drafting proposals for group bookings and events.  

In addition to gaining valuable business operations experience, Maja also welcomed the chance to meet customers and practice her English with visiting tourists. 

“Every day was a learning opportunity,” she said. “Having multiple roles at this job has helped me discover so much about patience and practice. It takes a lot of teamwork and communication.” 

From classroom theory to career-ready confidence 

Before exercising her skills in her internship, Maja gained the practical knowledge she needed for the internship through her coursework at Pacific. 

“The classes I took gave me practical knowledge I could apply during the internship, especially in understanding business operations, decision-making, and analyzing real-world situations,” Maja said. 

Pairing her applied economics major with a finance degree ended up being a powerful combination. Economics gave her the analytical tools to understand the ‘why’ behind market trends and policy decisions, while finance taught her how to apply that knowledge to make smart financial choices, manage risk, and create value in real-world business settings. 

“In economics, we’re always looking at real-world problems, understanding situations, analyzing causes, and searching for practical solutions. That mindset has taught me to think critically and make smarter decisions in everyday life,” Maja said. “By adding my finance studies to that foundation, I not only understand the bigger picture but also know how to apply it, whether it’s making sound investments, managing risk, or saving wisely for the future.” 

Advice for students 

“You learn how to act and to carry yourself in a workplace, which is so important before graduating and entering the real world,” Maja said. “Every connection you make and every challenge you face will help shape who you become.” 

Maja says the first step of finding a position towards your career goals can be the hardest, but it is one of the most important. She sees an internship not as a brief job but as a glimpse into your future career. 

Name: Ethan Fontes ’25 

Major: Graphic design 

Minor: Marketing 

Hometown: Tracy, California 

Extracurriculars: ASUOP 

When Ethan Fontes arrived at University of the Pacific, he had never used graphic design software. But with support from Pacific’s graphic design program and a lot of determination, he built a professional portfolio from the ground up. 

After applying to more than 100 internships, Ethan got the callback of a lifetime: DreamWorks. The animation studio saw potential in his work and was impressed by the way he talked through his creative decisions. Today, he’s putting those skills to use as a creative services marketing intern and helps promote some of the studio’s most popular animated shows. 

Working at DreamWorks

“I get to do both things I learned in college, graphic design and marketing, while getting to work on big name productions,” Fontes said. “Currently, I’m working on ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse,’ ‘Bad Guys 2’ and the ‘Jurassic World’ series.” 

At DreamWorks, Fontes wears a lot of hats. He mostly revises key art, which requires him to review posters, video thumbnails and other promotional graphics to ensure they are up to the company’s standards. He also works with trailer editors to ensure the right content has been chosen to convey the story. His other work includes writing internal emails and creating social media posts. Even with a full workload, Fontes says the experience has been pretty straightforward.  
 
“Working at ASUOP was a very fast-paced job. I thought working at DreamWorks was also going to be the same,” Fontes said. “I definitely feel like I pushed myself hard in and out of class. It prepared me well because I feel it’s actually little bit slower here.” 

Learning how to design at Pacific 

At Pacific, Fontes put his efforts into more than just his classwork. He attended networking events on and off campus to build connections and said yes to as many projects as he could. While he did a lot on his own, his mentors also provided crucial guidance. 

Fontes said his coursework with art Professor Marie Lee and Professor Brett Deboer, who has since retired, helped him hone his skills in graphic design. Studying the basics such as typography and layouts was integral to his professional development. He noted that Lee’s branding class in particular prepared him to work with companies on product designs.  

“I feel like those classes helped strengthen me in the areas I needed,” he said. “Graphic design was something I liked to do on the side before I started school. Now it’s something that I’m passionate about doing and want to do as a profession.” 

Fontes, a marketing minor, said learning to receive criticism at Pacific was vital for succeeding in the professional world and that he values the ability to give constructive feedback. This skill is especially important in his current position at DreamWorks, he said, where he reviews a wide range of marketing materials. 

Taking the next step 

Fontes said his favorite part of the DreamWorks internship has been working on unreleased projects. He gets to watch things that haven’t been announced to the public yet. He said it’s that exclusivity that makes him want to continue working in entertainment.  

“I know I want to work in TV, music or sports. It would be really cool to work for Disney, stay with DreamWorks or work for a big label,” Fontes said. “There’s a lot of possibilities in bringing that mixture of marketing and design to any entertainment role.” 

Advice for future designers 

Since the industry is built on connections and relationships, Fontes recommends that future graphic design students do more outside of class than perfecting technical skills. Getting off campus, attending industry conferences and meeting new people is just as important as understanding design software, he said. Starting small and being active on campus is important to him, as well.  

“Small things add up to big things, and you might be noticed for a career path that you want to be in just because of a little thing you did on campus,” he said. “Those activities that you’re a part of carry over to personality traits that you can bring into interviews and in the workforce.”  

Felicity Andrews ’24  
Major: Graphic design 
Internship: Creative design intern, Walt Disney Company 
Hometown: Modesto, California 
Clubs/Activities: AIGA Student Group; Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design representative, Associated Students of University of the Pacific; Calliope Art & Literary Magazine; InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; TEDx UoPacific Marketing Team  

Felicity Andrews ’24 transferred to Pacific and found her creative home in Pacific’s graphic design program. With three internships under her belt already and a packed resume of campus involvement, Andrews is putting her skills to work as an intern at The Walt Disney Company where she contributes to global projects for the company. Andrews reflects on her Pacific experience, what led her to design and the advice she has for future creatives. 

Describe your internship and how your experiences at Pacific helped prepare you for this opportunity. 

I’m currently a creative design intern at The Walt Disney Company, supporting the Talent Acquisition Marketing team. Our team leads recruitment marketing efforts across Disney Enterprises, which means I have the exciting opportunity to contribute to projects spanning a wide range of Disney businesses—both domestically and internationally.  

Right now, I’m focused on supporting Disney Programs, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney on the Yard, a program for Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students. No two days are the same, which keeps things engaging. Depending on the needs of our partners, I’ve worked on everything from promotional merchandise and flyers to booth materials for conferences. Ultimately, our goal is to create compelling materials that inspire individuals to apply and be a part of the story at Disney.  

My experiences at Pacific did play a role in preparing me for this opportunity. The design program gave me my foundation in design principles and exposed me to a variety of mediums, which helped me become a well-rounded designer. Professors Lee and DeBoer were also instrumental in my growth, as they were the ones who helped shape me as a designer.  

Pacific’s program encouraged me to think critically, stay curious and take ownership of my growth as a designer, qualities that have been invaluable and will continue to shape my career.  

What made you choose Pacific?  

I chose Pacific because it offered the combination of being local and providing a good academic program in graphic design. Commuting from home was important when I transferred from Modesto Junior College. As I explored Pacific’s design program, I was drawn to the classes available and the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in two years, keeping me on track to graduate in four years.  

The beautiful campus and smaller student body also made it feel like a place where I could thrive, especially after coming from a small high school and spending my first two years of college online.  

Why did you choose your major?  

I chose graphic design because I’ve always been interested in the arts and creating. In junior high, I joined the yearbook team for my love of photography, but I stayed until my senior year of high school because I fell in love with design. Creating layouts and selecting typefaces quickly became my favorite part of the process. When I discovered I could turn that passion into a degree and a career, I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue and ran with it.  

Who has inspired you at Pacific?  

There are a handful of people who have impacted me at Pacific, but my friends in the design department have been a huge source of inspiration. Because the design department is a smaller program, I had the chance to work closely with my peers and professors DeBoer and Lee, receiving individual feedback and advice that helped me grow.  

One of my most impactful collaborations was helping to revive and co-lead the American Institute of Graphic Arts Student Group (AIGA), which the department supported, including funding our trip to the 2023 AIGA Design Conference in New York.  

The experiences I had with AIGA helped me feel more connected to the design community and shaped my passion for mentorship. I found myself guiding peers through portfolios, job applications and interviews. I realized how important it is to support new designers in today’s challenging industry.  

My time in the program also helped refine my design philosophy, which is centered on bringing joy to others through my work. That purpose will continue to guide me as I move forward in my career. 

What is your favorite memory about Pacific?  

There are so many treasured memories from my time at Pacific, it’s hard to pick just one! One of my favorites, though, is DeStress Fest and the late-night breakfast. In my final year at Pacific, I went with my friends, and it was such a fun way to unwind after the semester. We enjoyed the activities and staying up late eating breakfast together while reflecting on the fall semester which made for such a memorable time.  

What learning opportunities have you had outside the classroom?  

Before graduating from Pacific, I completed two design internships. At Blackwing, a pencil manufacturing company, I designed internal materials and at BGG Creative & BGG West, a creative agency, I worked on various client projects.  

Additionally, I worked as a graphic designer for ASUOP, where I designed flyers, social media content, stickers and even the postcard and blue Pacific posters now painted in the DeRosa University Center. These experiences gave me hands-on opportunities to apply what I was learning in the classroom in real-world settings.  

Right after graduating, I continued building on those experiences as a design intern at Gallo Winery, where I contributed to high-impact projects for major brands like La Marca, Barefoot and New Amsterdam.  

What advice would you give incoming graphic design students?  

Immerse yourself in the program and design community as much as you can. Take every opportunity to get involved: join AIGA, become a graphic designer for ASUOP, or contribute to Calliope. These experiences will connect you with a creative community and provide valuable insights for internships and job searches.  

Also, push yourself to go the extra mile on your design projects. Doing so will strengthen your portfolio and showcase your creativity. Always stay curious, embrace learning and strive for constant improvement; this tenacity will take you far.  

And most importantly, network. Networking may feel intimidating, but it’s incredibly important. Reach out to Pacific alumni on LinkedIn who studied graphic design or are in industries you’re interested in and learn about their journeys and what helped them succeed.  

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy college life! Spend time with friends, have fun and take breaks to recharge. It’s so important for staying inspired and avoiding burnout. 

Navigating the competitive landscape for internships can be daunting, but Pacific offers plenty of resources to help you stand out. Of Pacific’s undergraduates who responded to our survey in 2022, 71% participated in a professional learning opportunity such as an internship. So, whether you’re a first-year student or nearing graduation, Pacific’s Career Services office is here to help you prepare to find a position that aligns with your career goals and provides valuable professional experience.  

Getting started at Career Services 

Start by visiting Career Services, the centralized location for all career-oriented help on campus. It provides year-round services to help you prepare for the ever-changing job market. You can schedule an appointment with a Career Services adviser through the job-search platform Handshake.   

“Career Services offers support with everything from resume writing to creating and editing cover letters, as well as interview skills and practice interviews,” says Director of Career Services Bailey Gutierrez. “Our office serves the entire Pacific student population and our alumni.”   

There’s never a bad time to get started; visit the Career Services office as early as your first day on campus. Career advisers will walk you through everything you’ll need to plan your job or internship search and help you develop valuable skills for success, whether your post-Pacific plan is full-time employment or graduate school.  

Services tailored to specific majors 

Understanding that many students arrive at Pacific with specific career goals, Career Services ensures that those in specialized fields, such as pre-health, receive dedicated support. 

“Career Services helped me by providing me with an opportunity to shadow a local physician in Stockton,” says biological sciences major Arshdeep Gill ’26. “This was a very vital experience for me in deciding what I wanted to do in the future, and it would not have been possible without Career Services.” 

In partnership with the academic departments, Career Services also provides guidance on cultivating professional relationships and planning the best path forward for students’ careers. 

“We work with students to make sure that they’re applying for the appropriate internships and that they’re looking for companies that have opportunities they’d be interested in and would really gain some hands-on experience from,” says Deb Crane, a career development and employer specialist at the Eberhardt Career Management Center. 

Job fairs throughout the year 

Career Services encourages all students to participate in its annual events, including February’s Career Expo, its largest event, featuring more than 80 employers from various industries. Since attending can feel intimidating for some, Career Services offers prep sessions to help students know what to expect and how to be well-prepared.  

“We want to make sure students feel confident in knowing how to approach an employer and what kinds of questions they should be asking,” Crane says. “What are some of the things you should and shouldn’t do? For example, you shouldn’t give them your resume right away as you walk up to them because then they’ll be reading your resume instead of having a conversation with you.” 

The Career Expo is an excellent opportunity to practice your networking skills, connect with potential employers and learn more about the companies you’re interested in before applying. It also offers you the opportunity to learn about a company or a career path you might not have considered. 

Internship search resources 

Pacific students now have access to online resources to search for and apply for internships. One resource is Parker Dewey, a platform for micro-internships, which are brief, paid professional assignments akin to those typically assigned to new hires or interns. Parker Dewey connects you with employers so you can gain practical experience in your field of study.  

Career Services advisers are always available by appointment to conduct mock interviews and review your resume and cover letter before you submit your applications. Advisers also can provide you with practical resources like interview attire from the Career Closet and private rooms for remote interviews. You can even have your headshot taken for your LinkedIn profile.  

Gutierrez offers advice for students who plan to juggle schoolwork and an internship.  

“Understand that your academics do come first and be as open and transparent with your employer as you can about your school schedule and what’s going on,” she says. “Give yourself some grace and understand that it’s going to take a lot of work.” 

Learn more about Career Services at Pacific 

Over the summer, 18 Pacific students interested in criminal justice gained real-world experience while making a personal difference in their community through internships at five Stockton area nonprofits serving people affected by the justice system. This includes those living under correctional supervision, juvenile hall, probation or parole and the affected families and communities.

Thanks to the PReP (Pacific Re-Entry Program), created in the College of the Pacific and funded by money from the Irvine Foundation, students studying criminal justice, sociology and political science took on paid internships that offered valuable, hands-on learning in their fields. 

“Students are seeing the humanity of persons within the system. It’s not just a process of what happens to people. These are real people; these are their real lives and their situations,” said criminal justice professor Jennifer Medel. 

At five non-profits, students gained valuable and often eye-opening experiences. Students organized and led rehabilitative programs, supported clients in court and in the community, and organized neighborhood events. 

“The internship helped me establish interpersonal connections in terms of helping people that are currently being impacted by the system itself and realize that some people are still impacted even after they’ve been released,” said criminal justice major, Aiden Chea ’24. 

Concrete Development Program 

Criminal justice major, Ella LeRoy ’24, spent her internship with Concrete Development, a community violence intervention organization.  

“The goal of the organization is to reduce violence within communities using people-centered approaches. They do not target crimes directly but rather violent-prone individuals,” Ella said. 

The organization supports clients processing their own experiences with violence and trauma. It provides them with tools and resources to break the cycle, so they are less likely to engage in criminal activity or actions that are hurtful to themselves or others. Ella contributed to a 12-week program designed to teach self-healing, self-advocacy and self-development. 

“I think one of the main things that I learned as a criminal justice major is how broad the area of criminal justice is and that the process should start the intervention stage, far before people enter the system,” Ella said. “Criminal justice is about much more than just probation and the law. There’s a lot more that goes into intervening and preventing violence.” 

Mary Magdalene Community Services 

Sociology major, Jasmine Stallworth ’25, interned for My Brothers Keeper, a program sponsored by Mary Magdalene Community Services. My Brothers Keeper was specifically created for troubled teenage boys of color to help them reach their life goals and break abusive patterns. The program offers mentorship, college visits and activities that engage the youth with the Stockton community. 

“The reason I chose My Brother’s Keeper was because it allowed me to get experience in the juvenile hall working with incarcerated youth,” Jasmine said. “It was also about getting experience in the community, working and with others because youth is something that I’m passionate about. Youth is the future.” 

Jasmine and two other interns went on to create My Sister’s Keeper, which is dedicated to equipping a diverse community of girls in their educational pursuits. 

“It’s a program for girls where they are able to come and learn about different topics such as higher education, womanhood and relationships,” Jasmine explained. “We’re trying to create a community in which girls feel safe, have someone to talk to and can come together.” 

Ready to Work 

Aiden Chea worked behind the scenes at Ready to Work, which helps homeless and formerly incarcerated people who struggle to get a chance at job opportunities. It hosts a variety of classes to help clients get on their feet again. Aiden and other interns facilitated the program providing in-depth healing and leadership development training, organizing workshops and hosting events like movie nights. 

One of the goals of the PReP program was to help Pacific students see the humanity of people in the criminal justice system. “I think the actual lived experiences that I’ve gotten before leaving Pacific and going into the workforce is invaluable, and something that I think I’ll always be grateful to this university for providing,” Ella said. 

Iliana Minervini ’25 
Major: Bioengineering 
Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador 
Awards: Dean’s Honor Roll, Academic Excellence Scholarship Recipient 

Pacific bioengineering major Iliana Minervini ’25 is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with medical conditions. Through her internship as a systems development engineer at Genentech, Iliana helps develop medical devices that address biomedical challenges and transform lives. Her journey to this role was challenging, but Pacific’s CO-OP program equipped her with the necessary skills to break into the industry and expand her research in biomedical technology. 

“I love the company. The products are so complex, and the job I’m doing right now, I like a lot,” Iliana said. “You don’t have a routine. It changes every week, and I like that part of the job.” 

Before securing her internship at Genentech’s subsidiary, GenMark Diagnostics, Iliana completed an eight-month CO-OP at Abbott, a health technology company, as a systems engineer. Pacific’s Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) provides students with real-world experience by combining classroom learning with paid, on-the-job training. The program supported Iliana as she applied her academic knowledge and built professional networks. Iliana had already developed her biomedical expertise research at Pacific working alongside Professors Fatemeh Khatami and Varadraj Vernekar on her research. 

“Thanks to the university, I got one of my very first experiences in the medical field,” Iliana said. 

Health care work runs in her family 

Born and raised in San Salvador, El Salvador, Iliana was inspired by her parents, who both work in the medical field. Her father, a physician, and her mother, a pharmaceutical sales representative, have supported her from afar since she moved to the United States three years ago. Choosing to major in bioengineering allowed Iliana to delve into the intricate circuits and components of the medical profession. Her dedication and experience in Pacific’s CO-OP program have opened exciting opportunities for her. 

During her CO-OP at Abbott, Iliana’s team ensured that products met all standards before submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This role involved rigorous testing to resolve any issues and ensure products were up to standard. 

“We are like the last line of defense before we submitted our work to the FDA,” Iliana explained. Her Abbott experience was invaluable when Iliana applied for the internship at Genentech (a member of the Roche Group), where she now works as a systems development engineer. 

From Abbott to GenMark 

Iliana started her internship at GenMark Diagnostics in May and works in research and development engineering, creating diagnostic devices to identify the nature or cause of medical conditions.  

“First, we have to come up with a concept or a prototype, like an idea and how to make it into an actual, tangible product. That’s what research and development is, in essence,” Iliana explained. “Right now, the company already has a design, but we’re still making some design changes to it. We are trying to make it more efficient, more compact, and faster.” 

While Pacific’s CO-OP program at Abbott opened doors, it was Iliana’s own efforts that secured her internship at Genentech’s GenMark. “Pacific gives you preliminary knowledge and develops your critical thinking, which are the main aspects you need to be successful in the industry or academia. While school won’t give you all the answers, it provides a good base.” 

Iliana is eager to continue working at a medical company like Genentech after completing her undergraduate studies.  

“It’s a gratifying field,” Iliana said. “I have enjoyed the journey because it’s a way to understand the many ways of contributing to people’s health.”

University of the Pacific’s Career Services connected over 500 students to employment, internship and co-op opportunities during its annual Career Expo on February 22. Eighty companies were represented, including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, PBS KVIE, PepsiCo – Frito Lay and World Relief Sacramento.  

“The overall goal of this year’s Career Expo is to create something where our offices partner with all the different schools on campus to make this one single expo feel conference-style, and reach a broad audience of students and alumni,” Employer Engagement and Internship Specialist Somarly Hernandez said. 

This year’s expo was curated to benefit students at all stages of their professional exploration. Earlier in the week, Pacific’s Career Services offered drop-in hours when students could meet with advisers to tighten up resumes and practice their elevator pitches. Students could also browse the career closet, which features a collection of professional clothing items students can borrow if they need a wardrobe fix ahead of an interview. This came in handy during the Career Expo, as some companies took advantage of available private conference rooms to hold on-the-spot interviews.  

A new feature of the expo, Career Services offered guided tours to any students wanting assistance navigating the floor and connecting with employers relevant to their work experience. 

“As a first-year student, it might be a little bit daunting to talk with professionals because you don’t have that working experience yet, so this is something we want to offer during this large-scale career fair especially,” Somarly said. “We want them to know it is not scary, that this can be fun, and it is beneficial to connect with lots of employers, even those you may not want to work with yet.” 

Second-year bioengineering student Maria Jose Majo Segovia attended the expo in search of internship opportunities. “I think [the expo] is important for students because it gives us the chance to explore different career options,” Maria said. “For me, personally, it was also really helpful as a practice for talking to employers. I got to talk to three companies who were looking for bioengineering students: Hazen & Sawyer, Inkspace Imaging and Foster Farms.” 

The expo also served as an opportunity for students to connect with Pacific alumni. “A lot of our employer partners have alumni on staff, and those alumni will come and represent the company, so they will connect with students on that common ground.” Somarly said. 

Students who want to stand out to employers they met should follow up with a thank-you email and connect on LinkedIn, Somarly recommended. “We really want students to network at the expo. Build that network and then maintain it by following up.” Somarly said.  

Students who could not attend this year’s expo can still access Career Services’ valuable resources and support throughout the year. Career Services offers several college-specific job fairs each year in addition to the general expo, and students are welcome at any time to make an appointment with an adviser to prepare their resumes and portfolios, sharpen their interviewing skills with mock interviews or discuss career options. 

“Our staff is here throughout a student’s four-year undergraduate journey to support,” Somarly said. “And alumni can contact us at any point via email or phone call.”  

Somarly noted that all students and alumni are invited to download the Handshake app where they can connect with one another, view job opportunities, and network with employers.  

Hello, everyone! My name is Sahil Radadiya and I’m international student from Gujarat, India in my third year at Pacific studying finance and engineering. Over the summer, I received the amazing chance to intern at Northwestern Mutual, a prominent financial services organization.  

My tenure with Northwestern Mutual was a life-changing event that provided me with invaluable insights into the worlds of finance and asset management. Throughout the internship, I was exposed to a dynamic and collaborative work environment, which equipped me with the skills and information I needed to succeed in the field. 

In this blog post, I thought I’d offer you a glimpse at a normal day as an intern at Northwestern Mutual. It’s been a wild ride with new challenges and learning opportunities every day.  

7 a.m. – Get up and go 

I start my day with a healthy meal and a cup of coffee. Getting motivated for the day ahead is critical, so I like to look over my calendar and plan out my responsibilities. I use sticky notes to write everything out. 

8 a.m. – Morning prep 

Next, I go to my home office in Modesto, where I’ll be spending most of my day. I go through my emails, reply to any important messages and go over my to-do list. Setting priorities and mentally preparing for the day’s duties are essential. 

9 a.m. – Coaching session 

Our weekly coaching session is a fantastic opportunity for me to interact with my fellow interns and share our experiences and issues and learn from one another. Our mentor walks us through several scenarios and offers helpful advice. 

10 a.m. – Customer research 

After my coaching session, I work on creating a financial plan for a fictitious customer. Today, I’m delving into investing possibilities that correspond with the client’s objectives. I collect data, assess market patterns and begin putting together prospective plans. 

Noon – Lunch break 

It’s time to take a break! I have a healthy lunch and maybe go for a brief stroll to get some fresh air. It’s critical for me to refuel and clear my thoughts before returning to work. 

1 p.m. – Networking activities 

I spend the afternoon networking. I contact identified potential clients and send individual letters presenting myself and the services we provide. Networking is an important aspect of my career, and I’m learning how to approach it with confidence. 

3 p.m. – Meeting planning 

I have a client meeting tomorrow, so I spend some time getting ready. I go through the client’s financial objectives, gather pertinent information and produce a presentation to help guide our conversation. It’s amazing to see how my efforts are paying off in real-world interactions. 

4:30 p.m. – Skill development 

Before finishing up for the day, I devote some time to skill development. Whether it’s practicing financial modeling or honing my presenting skills, I’m constantly looking for methods to develop and expand my capabilities. 

6 p.m. – Wind down 

I formally close my laptop and leave the office. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I spend time doing activities I love, such as meeting up with friends, reading or going to the gym. 

8 p.m. – Reflection and planning: 

As the day draws to a close, I consider what I’ve achieved and what I’ve learned. I note down any critical lessons and plan for the next day. Having a defined strategy allows me to hit the ground running the next morning. 

9 p.m. – Decompress 

Before going to bed, I decompress by watching a TV show, doing some mindfulness exercises or simply spending time with my friends. A good night’s sleep is critical to ensuring that I’m ready to face whatever comes my way the next day. 

That concludes my day as an intern at Northwestern Mutual! Every day has been a mix of study, networking, client encounters and personal development. It’s been a hard yet extremely rewarding experience.  

If you’re about to start an internship, my advice is to make the most out of your experience. Proactively learn, seek out answers to your questions and ask for more responsibilities. Be flexible by accepting new challenges and be willing to learn from both successes and failures.  

About the author

Sahil Radadiya

Sahil Radadiya is an international, first-generation student from India in his third year at Pacific, where he is studying finance and engineering. He is also Tiger Team Ambassador in the Office of Admission and an academic tutor at the William Knox Holt Library. Sahil hopes to become an entrepreneur and create and manage businesses with the goal of achieving financial success and making a positive impact on society.

Hey there! My name is Devin, and I’m a psychology and speech-language pathology major at University of the Pacific. Over the summer, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Cabarete in the Dominican Republic through an internship with TherapyAbroad. They connected me with the DREAM Project, an organization that provides free therapy services to children and education programs for low-income teenagers and young adults.

I heard about the internship through a friend in the speech-language pathology program at University of the Pacific. She was going to Belize in the summer and informed me about the opportunity to travel abroad and gain clinician experience. Although the price was an investment, I was able to fund it through my Powell scholarship’s study abroad fund. There were a lot of countries to choose from, but I decided on the Dominican Republic because I wanted to improve my Spanish. A lot more doors open in SLP if you’re bilingual, and Spanish is especially beneficial to know in California.  

Exploring the Dominican Republic

The trip itself lasted about two weeks, but it was a mix of vacationing and working at the camp. We arrived in the capital, Santo Domingo, and explored the city for two days. We had an itinerary and guides, so we learned a lot about the history of the DR and visited cathedrals and statues of historical figures, like one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic, Juan Pablo Duarte. 

Then we left for Cabarete, where we stayed for the rest of the trip. From Cabarete, we would travel out to other cities like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Sosúa. Our hotel in Cabarete was on the beach, so we saw many pretty sunsets and ate a lot of really good food.

I tried a plantain-based Dominican dish called “mofongo,” and even had plantains inside of sushi. There was a lot of fried fish, pasta and chicken, and every meal seemed to have rice, beans and chinola (passion fruit) fruit juice. I discovered Helados Bon ice cream, which was amazing, and had other delicious desserts like bread pudding. 

Working at the speech clinic

There were six other SLP students from across the United States in the group. We were in various stages in college and knew different levels of Spanish. In scenarios where we couldn’t fully understand our client or vice-versa, we helped each other out or our bilingual SLP guides translated for us. 

We didn’t have any formal training, so it was a learn-as-you-go process. Lucky for me, I had already taken a few SLP classes at Pacific. They taught me how to be patient and how to make creative activities to keep my clients engaged. These lessons were useful to draw from during the internship. 

My fellow student clinicians and I arrived at DREAM at 9 a.m. every weekday and prepared for our therapy sessions. We created four stations for our clients: Hora de Cuentos “Storytime,” Multisensory station, STEM and Gross Motor. Our goal was to engage them in fun activities that helped with their therapy processes.

After those stations, we broke off and worked individually with our own clients. My client was a six-year-old with a stutter, and we focused on pronunciation and fluency. Conveninetly, I just finished a course on stuttering in the Spring at Pacific, so I could implement what I learned during our sessions. In one of our activities, we worked on her pronunciation of the letter “s.” Each time she got it correct, I gave her a block to add to a castle she was building. Other times, we used flashcards or my laptop. 

At the end of our clinics, I held a parent-teacher conference and gave them advice on how to continue therapy activities at home. The goal was to make therapy fun and inclusive so she would be willing to continue with her parents on her own.  

Why you should study abroad

I highly recommend studying abroad, but it’s important to understand and be respectful of cultural differences. It can be intimidating and uncomfortable if you’re not a fluent speaker, but practice is the only way you’re going to improve. 

There were times I would get nervous or afraid that I would make a fool of myself. Through experience, I’ve learned that people living in the countries you visit appreciate when you make an effort to speak their language or immerse yourself in their culture even if it’s not perfect. The fact that you’re trying says a lot and goes a long way.

Overall, the trip was everything I could have asked for and more. I was able to earn clinician experience while immersing myself in a new and unique culture. The Dominican Republic was a beautiful place to explore, and it was fulfilling knowing I was making a difference in children’s lives.

About the author

Devin Thompson

A native of Modesto, California, Devin Thompson is a third-year student at University of the Pacific studying psychology and speech-language pathology. He is a Tiger Team hiring and scheduling LEAD in the Office of Admission, research assistant in the psychology department, Orientation leader and resident assistant. Devin hopes to become a speech-language pathologist to assist those in need and make a difference in his community.

Even if you’re just starting your college journey, it’s never too early to start thinking about your career! In fact, we recommend making an appointment at our Career Services Center as soon as your first semester at Pacific. It’s also a good idea to reach out to your academic adviser about networking and career development opportunities offered in your individual school or college. 

Through a wide variety of events and programs at Pacific, you’ll have opportunities to sharpen your interview skills, network with top employers or get valuable guidance from experienced professionals. These opportunities will help you develop confidence and a competitive edge when you enter the professional world. 

Pacific’s Career Services Center  

The Center offers year-round services to help you prepare for an ever-changing job market. Working with Pacific’s career advisers, you can start planning and developing valuable skills to set yourself up for success in your first year.  

“The robust services offered by our career services team can be life changing,” said Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi. “You invest in four years at Pacific, and it can boil down to one or two conversations with an employer. We want to make sure Pacific students are putting their best foot forward.”  

Here’s a just a quick list of some of the events and services you can take advantage of at Pacific: 

• Individual advising and coaching 
• Job and internship fairs 
• Practice interviews with employers 
• Workshops on resumes, cover letters, networking and more 
• Field trips to area employers 
• Professional portrait photos 
• Professional clothing rental 
• Help finding full-time and part-time jobs as well as internship and CO-OP opportunities 

And don’t forget that you’re welcome to visit the Career Services Center on the second floor of the McCaffrey Center on campus anytime! You can also learn more on their website.