Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design

Let’s shine a spotlight on our BSSD students and their internships they took part in this summer!!!
Meet Callie Preisman, who interned at Elemental Interiors!

Congratulations Callie!

Let’s hear about it! —>

BSSD:
Tell us about your internship this summer? What company or organization did you work for? What was your role within the internship?

CP:
This summer, I had the pleasure of interning with Elemental Interiors as a residential interior design intern. I led my own client project from start to finish, from the consultation through installation. I worked on-site, sat in on client meetings, assisted with ACAD drawing sets, and learned how to present design work to clients. I also redesigned the company’s website and social media platforms, growing engagement.

BSSD:
How has the BSSD program prepared you for this role?

CP:
BSSD prepared me well for this role by exposing me to the technical side of design that I saw every day on the job. The program also encouraged me to seek out designers focused on community involvement and sustainability close to home in New Jersey, which is how I found Elemental Interiors and eventually earned my internship there.

BSSD:
Do you have a dream job or role you hope to play in the future? If in any way, how does your internship connect to that dream job or role?

CP:
Looking ahead, my dream job would be designing commercial and public spaces, like office buildings and schools, with a focus on how a space truly fits into its environment. This internship gave me so much more confidence that I can get there, and I owe a lot of that to my bosses for trusting me. I believe our environment and community are core to what makes us human, and BSSD has shown me how a career in design can nurture that.

BSSD:
Do you have advice for BSSD students interested in applying and pursuing an internship?

CP:
My advice for BSSD students looking for an internship is to get started and be bold. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone during the search helped me get the right phone calls. And when it came to interviewing, what really helped was talking about what I’m passionate about, staying curious, and being honest about how much I still have ...

Let’s continue shining a spotlight on our BSSD Students and their internships they took part in this summer!
Meet Faye Wettstein, who interned at the Office of Energy and Environment at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority!

Congratulations Faye!

Let’s hear about it! —>

BSSD: Tell us about your internship this summer? What company or organization did you work for? What was your role within the internship?

FW: I’m working as a Sustainability Intern for the Office of Energy and Environment at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). WMATA is the leading public transit agency for the DC Metro region, and this is my second summer interning here! The team I work for leads innovation in sustainability best practices at WMATA, proposing and implementing everything from improved sustainable design guidelines to energy efficiency projects.

BSSD: How has the BSSD program prepared you for this role?

FW: The BSSD program prepared me for my role at WMATA by providing me with an adaptable sustainability toolkit and the knowledge necessary to meaningfully contribute to projects. I’ve really appreciated the support and guidance I’ve received from my advisors (shoutout Ashley and Karin), who have always encouraged me. I also prepared myself by pursuing leadership opportunities in my RSOs and research assistantship positions. This prepared me to contribute to interdisciplinary projects and succeed in my internship.

BSSD: Do you have a dream job or role you hope to play in the future? If in any way, how does your internship connect to that dream job or role?

FW: Ultimately, I am really passionate about sustainable urban planning and would love any job that allows me to manage sustainability projects. I hope to work in the public sector and would love to eventually work internationally at an organization like the World Bank or at UN-Habitat. WMATA has prepared me to work collaboratively on complex, interdisciplinary planning projects. Overall, I have loved my internship experience and would encourage anyone interested in sustainable design to apply for a public transit agency!

BSSD: Do you have advice for BSSD students interested in apply ...

The semester has begun. Let`s go! 🎉
The last day to drop a full-semester course is the 10th day of classes, September 4.
➡ You may modify your schedule or change a course or section until the 10th day of classes. Have questions? Contact your advisor at sustaindesign@illinois.edu.
➡ Study Abroad and Study Away scholarships are available now!
Whether you`re planning a semester abroad or a short-term trip over fall, winter, or spring break, or in early summer, you may be eligible for I4I and IIP funding.
✨ Apply for financial aid before committing to a class!
➡ Applying for or already admitted to a semester abroad?
Apply for the FAA Scholarship for Study Abroad by September 15!
https://studyabroad.illinois.edu/.../costs.../colleges/
➡ Bates Scholarship Fund for FAA Continuing Student Success applications are open. Have you experienced an unforeseen financial setback? Apply for a Bates Scholarship of up to $1,000 to support your continued studies.
To be eligible to apply for the fund, you must:
➡Be enrolled as a continuing FAA student.
➡Be registered for at least 12 credit hours during the semester for which the funds would apply.
➡Provide a statement detailing your unforeseen financial difficulties.
➡Be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Application Process:
Students should complete the Bates Scholarship Fund online application. This form will be available during the first three weeks of the term.
https://go.illinois.edu/FAAFund ...