Experiential Career Coach Alana Cordero recently sat down with Sidney Ruedas, an Architecture graduate student who just secured an exciting internship with a leading company in her field. Check out the short interview below!
Celebrating Student Success: Sidney’s New Internship with BRPH
Congratulations to Sidney, a graduate student in Architecture, on securing a new internship with BRPH, an Orlando-based architecture and engineering firm.
Sidney connected with BRPH during the Career Connections Center’s Spring Career Fair, where students had the opportunity to meet with employers, explore career paths, and showcase their talents. This internship is a fantastic step forward in Sidney’s professional journey, offering hands-on experience in the field and the chance to apply classroom learning to real-world projects.
About BRPH…
BRPH is a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction firm known for designing innovative spaces across industries including aerospace, education, manufacturing, and commercial development. With a reputation for creativity and technical excellence, BRPH provides students and professionals alike with opportunities to contribute to impactful projects that shape communities and industries.
Sidney’s story is a reminder of the power of career fairs and experiential learning opportunities. When students take advantage of these resources, they open doors to meaningful experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation.
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Interview with Sidney:
“State Your Name, Year in School, Major/Minor“:
Sidney Ruedas, Graduate Student, Architecture
“I wanted to commend you for taking the initiative to search and apply for internships—great job! Could you share how you went about finding these opportunities? Were there any platforms, strategies, or resources that worked especially well for you?“
I do not believe there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to finding internships, but I think it’s important to be proactive. For me, networking has been key. I’ve made an effort to align myself with passionate individuals who are in the field I want to pursue. Being involved in student organizations related to my field, attending career fairs, and leveraging alumni networks have given me unique opportunities to connect with many of these professionals. On top of that, platforms like LinkedIn, Gator Network, and professional organizations related to my field, have helped me expand my network further. Of all of these efforts, the most useful strategy has been maintaining relationships with those in my professional network.
“Are there any insights or strategies you’d recommend to fellow students navigating the internship process?“
Even when you are not looking for an internship, continue to develop your network! Building authentic connections before you need them makes the search process much smoother. It can be difficult to look for roles when you have no prior information on a company and what a position entails. From there, take time to learn about companies you feel you may align with, and apply to positions intentionally!
“In your opinion, what made you a strong candidate for this opportunity?“
Being passionate about the roles you are applying to goes a long way. I find it important to tailor application materials to show how my skills and interests align with a company’s mission and values. Resumes give a summary of your abilities, but cover letters and supplemental information (like a portfolio or work sample, if applicable) are how you can pitch yourself as a strong candidate for a role. By communicating enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and other traits a company values, you can stand out as a motivated candidate.
“What’s your main goal in pursuing an internship—what do you hope to gain from the experience?“
Pursuing an internship allows me to apply what I have learned at the University of Florida to real-world situations. Gaining hands-on experience is incredibly important, as you can improve your technical abilities as well as interpersonal skills. The internships that I have pursued have allowed me to better understand my career path and create long-term goals.
Fill in the blank: UF students should pursue internships because it is the best way to gain practical experience, build connections in the industry, and clarify your career goals.
