As an Indian study abroad student in the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) STEM program, Khyati has had the opportunity to experience multiple types of learning, including professional skills development designed to guide her toward her future career.
Her work as an academic subject tutor, orientation leader, and resident assistant is developing hands-on networking and collaboration skills that she will bring with her when she enters the STEM field.
Learning by Doing
Growing up in Indonesia, Khyati’s learning journey has been dual-focused. “India’s education concentrates on studying theory, while Indonesia’s classes were more hands on,” explains the bioengineering student currently studying at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). “Now, I have the best of both worlds.”
As Membership Chair & Mentor of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Khyati works directly with her fellow STEM students, who will become important professional contacts in the future.
“Collaborating with my peers in the biomedical engineering society has allowed me to work with some remarkable people,” the international student says.
So Much to Learn
During her time at UIC, her interests continue to grow. “My passion lies in bioengineering,” the Indian study abroad student says. “But my studies here have shown me new areas of science, like a love for chemistry that I never knew existed.”
One-on-one guidance from a Career Accelerator Program (CAP) advisor helps students like Khyati identify career options by developing a career action plan and steering their coursework toward their goals.
At UIC, I find a home that combines my two cultural backgrounds, giving me the theory I love and the practical learning I need.” —Khyati, Bioengineering 2020, UIC
While she works toward her STEM degree, Khyati is applying to internship and research opportunities in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and computer science fields. Shorelight’s CAP program has helped her with resume writing and cover letter tips, written and oral communication training, networking workshops, and mentorships.
Pathways to Success
Working with Career Accelerator advisors also gives students like Khyati the opportunity to build crucial social media, networking, and job seeking skills. The exclusive Shorelight service includes access to company tours, career fairs, finding an internship, and job placement assistance.
“No matter what I’m doing in the future: creating a medicine that will save someone’s life, or building a prosthetic that will change someone’s life,” the Indian undergrad student says, “I know I’ll be ready.”
Learn more about the ways UIC’s Career Accelerator will help you create a great career while you earn your degree >
