Advisee Spotlight: John Quezada

CareerSpring Advisee John Quezada learned about CareerSpring before he started his college journey. Through Partners like Chicago Scholars, College Possible, and the Wentcher Foundation, he kept hearing the same message: use CareerSpring early to build your professional future.

So when John began his freshman year studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he did exactly that.

Rather than waiting until internship season, John started connecting with CareerSpring Advisors, growing his professional network, and learning directly from engineers and industry professionals. "The Platform offers a comprehensive support system, from practical application advice to personal encouragement," he shared. "Along with the Advisors that I can connect with, I am given the opportunity to build my network with professionals in the career I would like to move into."

Those conversations gave John the confidence and guidance he needed to pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach. With CareerSpring's support, he successfully navigated the application process for a Discovery Partners Institute Summer Tech Internship, where he was matched with engineering startup Hyphae Composites as a Mechanical Engineering Intern.

As a first-generation college student, John knows how overwhelming it can feel to search for internships without a roadmap.

"I didn't know how to go about my internship hunting, but CareerSpring was able to help take some of that stress off me with their job portal and their trained Advisors," he says. "CareerSpring provides the community and professional resources necessary to bridge the gap between college and a career."

Now entering his sophomore year, John hopes more FGLI students tap into the same support system that helped launch his career.

Your career doesn't start after graduation—it starts with the connections you make today. Connect with CareerSpring Advisors, build your network, and take the next step toward your future.