Have you ever wondered why the experience of an internship is so important to career development?
If you have, listen to this episode. Yuliya Dennis, the Executive Director of MECOP, joins us on the show to talk about exactly why people should participate in internships. There are many benefits to working as an intern; maybe the most valuable is that students can really maximize their time in college when getting the experience that will help them make educated decisions on how to proceed with their career development.
MECOP is an organization that pairs students with businesses for 6-month-long internship experiences allowing students to do some hands-on learning, apply their skills, and make meaningful contributions to the businesses that are hosting them.
Q: Please describe your educational/training background.
I have my Master’s in Higher Ed Administration which I earned from OSU. Currently, I’m the Executive Director of MECOP Inc and the OSU Alumni Association Director of Career Services from 2016-2021.
Q: Please describe where you work & your occupation.
As Executive Director, I’m focused on career development in higher education by providing internships to undergraduate students.
Q: Career-wise, what have been your proudest moments/highlights/accomplishments so far?
Becoming the first female Executive Director of MECOP Inc.
Q: What are some of your future goals or things you would like to accomplish?
Joining some professional associations that support women leaders.
Q: What have been some of your biggest career challenges?
Being the first female Executive Director in a male-dominated field (engineering).
Q: Many young women might not be aware of the career available in STEM fields. What do you think can be done to spread the word to women about career options in these fields?
This is a passion area of mine! Sharing about the opportunities of women leaders is very vital to that! What you’re doing is a great idea!
Q: Do you have any advice for women who are looking to follow a similar career path?
Do informational interviews and ask to be mentored.
Q: What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
Hiking, reading, volunteering
Resources:
- You can listen to Yulia’s episode on our website, Spotify, and also YouTube!
- This episode drops on December 27, 2022.
- Learn more about opportunities with MECOP.
