"CollegeTracks has been an amazing source of support and encouragement through all my years in school. I learned the value of networking and making sure people know what I'm passionate about. CollegeTracks staff had advocated for me and served as a reference for school and work that resulted in my first internship."

What great things are you doing out in California right now?

"I'm working as a Project Management Co-op at Johnson & Johnson's Neutrogena campus in Los Angeles. I support project managers who are leading the New Product Development and Launch teams for several new products. I help with developing timelines, completing risk analysis, feasibility assessments, and project financial analysis with the teams. I work with cross functional teams including scientists, researchers, marketers, graphic designers, supply chain planners, legal teams, and steering committees made up of directors and managers."

	Jeffanie Rantung, senior at UMD, studying Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

What are some things you learned so far in your co-op?

"I learned how huge J&J is and how they operate within so many companies. I'm amazed how a large company operates and contributes to the working success of so many people within various departments and teams. I also learned about what it takes to launch a new product. Most importantly I learned how to show initiative and always look for working opportunities when you're given a lot of autonomy."

How did you come across this opportunity?

"I met with J&J at a university career fair. The funny thing is that I wasn't planning on applying; I visited the company's booth to "practice" on them before I applied and talked to the other big consulting companies that I had my eyes set on. Before I knew it, my conversations with the recruiters turned into genuinely interesting conversations that led to an invitation for an interview the next week!"

What advice would you give to other students wishing to do something similar?

"My advice is to always keep an open mind to any opportunities that come your way even if it doesn't look like the one you think you want or you planned. The other important part of that is always to be prepared if you can--research jobs at a company, update your resume--being prepared has always impressed the right people for me. The best opportunities in my life were the ones I didn't anticipate. It definitely makes things more exciting!"

What does the future hold for you?

"I want to pursue a progressive career in Human Resources because my passion is to be a catalyst for those who want to grow professionally in the workplace. I want to have extensive knowledge of business principles and concepts so that I can effectively communicate and work within businesses as a Human Resource Specialist. After gaining progressive experience in an organization, I would like to pursue my Master Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology or Human Resources."
 

What's one special talent, a fun fact, or something most people don't know about you?

"I started out college as an art major--I can paint and draw! I also keep a running list of the best places to eat for every city I live or visit and I have my own secret Starbucks menu."