The University’s second pillar, experiential learning, has been put to use by five special Bradley seniors.
One student from each of Bradley’s colleges, have been recognized as winners of the Outstanding Co-op/Interns of the Year for 2013.
“The five winners exemplify the university and career center’s emphasis on experiential learning through their positive experiences,” Molly Drenckpohl, associate director of the Springer Center for Excellence in Internships said. “They were each able to demonstrate how their individual experiences contributed to their career development.”
Candidates for the award were chosen based on several elements, which included an application letter, a reflection paper, an employer letter and supporting materials.
Senior industrial engineering major Kevin Wollschied worked with the Process Engineering team for SpaceX, a private Aerospace company in Los Angeles, CA.
“Being recognized for something you accomplished is always a great feeling,” Wollschied said. “I felt fortunate being able to write about everything I was able to experience over the seven months I spent in California.”
Wollschied spent half of his time participating in hands-on experiences with engines and the other half with analysis work on the computer.
“I feel now a sense of responsibility to inspire some of the younger students to grab internships in new and challenging places,” he said. “You learn astronomically more knowledge in the workplace than you can in the classroom in the same amount of time.”
Senior history major Abby Schierer worked at Wildlife Prairie Park outside of Peoria and created a historical guide for the park as part of her main project.
She also helped with animal photography, wrote articles for monthly newsletters and worked in the visitor’s center.
“I gained a lot of experience during my internship and had a lot of fun,” Schierer said. “I am graduating in May and will be searching for a job very soon, so all of the experience I gained and being awarded this honor makes me hopeful that I will find a job.”
