First Generation College Students Shine in Internships

Andersen’s internship program provides college students with the skills, resources, and experience required to succeed in the modern workforce. Many of Andersen’s interns continue to work at Andersen after they complete the program.

Andersen welcomed a class of 62 interns this summer. The interns have worked in a hybrid setting (from home and an Andersen office), fully remote or 100-percent onsite. Several of Andersen’s interns were also first-generation college students, each bringing diverse backgrounds and experiences.

“First-generation college students often have forged their own pathways and are constantly motivated to achieve their goals no matter the obstacles they face,” said Raven Jones, talent acquisition lead, who oversees Andersen’s internship program.

“Recruiting first-generation students fits into Andersen’s strategy because our mission is to be an inclusive workplace where all are welcome,” Raven continued. “The internship creates a consistent experience that emphasizes building career potential and we’ve absolutely seen amazing growth in all our interns.”

Meet the Interns

Feven Gebregerges, content marketing intern, attends the University of Minnesota and majors in marketing.

Brooklyn Husnik, process engineering intern, goes to Iowa State University and majors in mechanical engineering and minors in engineering sales.

Haley Notermann, finance intern, attends the University of St. Thomas and majors in finance.

Siyad Hussein, national operations and installation intern, goes to the University of St. Thomas and majors in operations and supply chain while also pursuing a degree in data analytics.

Emily Tuchtenhagen, product design intern, attends the University of St. Thomas and majors in mechanical engineering.

Marcus Young, plastics engineering intern, goes to the University of Minnesota-Duluth and is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Meet the Interns

Feven Gebregerges, content marketing intern, attends the University of Minnesota and majors in marketing.

Brooklyn Husnik, process engineering intern, goes to Iowa State University and majors in mechanical engineering and minors in engineering sales.

Haley Notermann, finance intern, attends the University of St. Thomas and majors in finance.

Siyad Hussein, national operations and installation intern, goes to the University of St. Thomas and majors in operations and supply chain while also pursuing a degree in data analytics.

Emily Tuchtenhagen, product design intern, attends the University of St. Thomas and majors in mechanical engineering.

Marcus Young, plastics engineering intern, goes to the University of Minnesota-Duluth and is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.

Q: Why is being a first-generation student meaningful to you?

Brooklyn: Being a first-generation student is very meaningful to me because I know how much it took for me to get here. My parents were not able to walk me through the steps through college. They don’t fill anything out for me or tell me where to find things, scholarships, or help. It’s taken hours and hours of me researching things having to be very independent and proactive to get caught up with everyone. I worked hard academically to get into school and get scholarships so I can stay in school. Overall, it’s been a lot of work, but I’m proud of myself. I’m proud that I can help my siblings and make this same process easier for them.

Siyad: Being a first-generation student is important to me because I am paving the way for the rest of my family. Although it hasn’t been an easy task it has been very rewarding knowing I am setting a positive example.

Emily: It is meaningful to me to be a first-generation student because it shows that your background does not dictate your future and you are able to pursue goals outside of what you have grown up with.

Marcus: Being a first-generation student is important to me because it signifies that I’m willing to work hard for my success and carry on the diligent mindset that I got from my parents.

Feven: Being a first-generation student has always felt bigger than myself because my mother has made a lot of sacrifices for me to be here. She immigrated from Ethiopia as one of six daughters of a poor rural farmer. My grandfather made an important choice to send my mom to high school, and ultimately changed the entire trajectory of her life and mine. It gave her the freedom to travel to Egypt before I was born, and then immigrate to the United States. She always impressed the importance of getting an education and going to college, and always made me feel like I was smart and capable of whatever wild dream that I aspired to.

Q: Growing up, what made you decide to pursue a degree?

Emily: Growing up, I wanted to pursue a degree because independence is important to me, and I have always wanted to be able to support myself.

Marcus: I’ve wanted to be an engineer since I was in high school, and even before then I have always been interested in learning new things. It didn’t have to be engineering or science related. If it was something that I didn’t know before, I was eager to learn about it.

Q: What has been a highlight of the internship so far?

Haley: The highlight of my internship has been meeting all the people at Andersen and learning about the business. My dad owned his own HVAC company so I grew up around the construction industry and would tag along with him to many of his jobs. So, in that sense, being at Andersen reminds me a lot of growing up. I love being around the building and manufacturing process.

Brooklyn: The highlight has been getting to know everyone and the work culture. I really like interacting with everyone and they are all so nice!

Q: How has your mentor/manager helped you to have a positive experience?

Brooklyn: My mentor, John Berges, has helped me have a positive experience by being very light-hearted and fun to work with. He is always willing to answer questions and talk if I need help. He focuses on making sure I’m learning and have all the resources that I need. I especially appreciate that he understands I don’t know everything and that a lot of my focus is on new experiences and learning.

Siyad: My manager, Brad Chorpening, and my mentor, Anthony Bolton, have helped me in every capacity possible. They were more than willing to provide any resource I need to not only succeed at Renewal by Andersen but life in general.

Interested in Joining Andersen’s Internship Experience?

Visit the Andersen careers website to learn more about Andersen’s internship experience and opportunities for new graduates.

Posted: June 7, 2023