Maximizing Career Success: Sara Al-Rishawi

Photo Credit: Student Spotlight: Sara Al-Rishawi
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 15:05

“I would recommend students to take advantage of the Career Coaches the most as they are the experts when it comes to applications and securing opportunities and every time I have used them I have been successful because of it!” 

Sara Al-Rishawi is a senior double majoring in Global Studies and Clinical Psychology with minors in Humanities in Medicine, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, and Arabic. This summer, she interned as a Bioanalytical Project Manager with Celerion. Thanks to the Intern Foundry Program, Sara was met with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in project management. 

 “I found out about the program in the fall semester when one of the Honors staff members came and talked to my class about it. I applied for and participated in the program as part of the Spring Cohort with the Lincoln Council for International Visitors (LCIV). During the spring semester, an email was sent about their pilot summer program focused on healthcare and I decided to apply and then got matched with Celerion,” said Sara.  

As a Bioanalytical Project Manager, Sara had two main projects that she focused on. For her smaller project, she conducted data analysis and market research on studies Celerion had participated in. The main project she was working on involved supporting bioanalytical project development for a new division at Celerion. She aimed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency for the new group and their clients, facilitating smoother operations as the team expanded and their project workload increased. 

When it comes to utilizing Career Services resources, Sara is no stranger. Sara’s involvement as a peer mentor, Gaughan front desk worker, and overall drive towards professional development has allowed her to use various resources, including Handshake and Career Coaches.  

“I have used the career coaches in CAS that is through career services for mock interviews, resume development, and helping me apply to an internship that I got accepted in from their help. I also plan on utilizing them for my post graduate plans while this resource is available to me. Handshake is also good to find those on-campus jobs that are flexible and accessible in comparison to off-campus options,” said Sara. 

Beyond her studies, Sara is involved as an Honors Peer Mentor, an Oasis Peer Mentor Leader, a Psychology 181 ULA, president of Middle Eastern and North African Student Association, a member of the Peace Corps Prep program, an undergraduate researcher for the HEARD Lab, the ASUN Senator for Colleges of Arts and Sciences, and chair for Student Services and Electoral Commissioner.  

Interested in getting connected to Career Coaches and other resources to jumpstart your professional experiences like Sara? Career Services can help! 

Connect with UNL Career Services at careers.unl.edu/connect.