Each year, RSR participates in a winter internship program with WiTNY — a collaborative initiative between Cornell Tech, the City University of New York (CUNY), and industry partners that aims to propel high school and college women into rewarding tech careers.
The tech market in NYC is growing three times faster than any other industry job market. And yet, today, less than 1% of college women in the U.S. are graduating with degrees in computer science. If we move that to 5%, it would double the number of CS-educated students entering the workforce. WiTNY is dedicated to creating that change and helping close the gender gap in tech.
In 2019, we welcomed three amazing “winterns” into our office for a few weeks of learning and fun. Before their time here ends, we wanted to learn a bit more about their hobbies and goals.
Itzel Mejia
1) What are a few fun facts or personal hobbies that you enjoy?
I love to play video games, listen to K-Pop, watch anime and explore new Asian foods with my significant other.
2) Why are you participating in the Winternship program?
I want to have better communication skills and work with people with different personalities and perspectives.
3) What have you learned in your time at RSR?
I learned how to use photoshop. And how to take advice and let it better my work. I also learned that we all have different opinions and that we should use those perspectives to work efficiently.
4) Where do you see yourself after graduation? What kind of company/industry/job are you interested in pursuing?
Only time will tell! Life is full of unexpected surprises. I might end up doing something I never planned for. However, the type of industry I am interested in pursuing would probably be Computer Information Systems but more on the business side.
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Judy Zhang
1) What are a few fun facts or personal hobbies that you enjoy?
I’ve been playing the violin since I was 6, so I like listening and playing along to classical music whenever I have the time.
I also love to bake cookies, brownies and other desserts.
2) Why are you participating in the Winternship program?
The Winternship Program is a great way for me to gain experience in areas outside of my comfort zone. I’ve learned
so many new skills, like Photoshop and how to create a brand voice.
3) What have you learned in your time at RSR?
I’ve learned a lot about the thought process and work that goes behind every ad or campaign we interact with as consumers.
4) Where do you see yourself after graduation? What kind of company/industry/job are you interested in pursuing?
After college, I plan on working in the tech industry. As of right now, I’m not exactly sure the type of role I’d like.
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Amanda Lascano
1) What are a few fun facts or personal hobbies that you enjoy?
In my free time I enjoy reading books, playing video games and crafting. I run an Etsy shop where I sell some of the items that I create.
2) Why are you participating in the Winternship program?
This Winternship is a chance for me to gain experience in a new industry and explore future career options that I wasn’t aware of.
3) What have you learned in your time at RSR?
I’ve learned a lot about what a digital agency does and all the roles this specific company takes on. It’s been great to experience the daily happenings of the office and meet a group of people with a diverse set of skills.
4) Where do you see yourself after graduation? What kind of company/industry/job are you interested in pursuing?
I see myself in a career that combines my love for art history with my experience in digital media. An important thing I’ve learned from the Winternship, is that I have the power to pave my own path and end up somewhere I had never thought of before.