Real-world experience a hallmark of RIT education

More than 5,000 RIT students each year apply what they are learning in the classroom to meaningful work experiences.

A majority of undergraduate programs require a cooperative education or internship experience, where students can help define their career path and earn a salary. RIT’s co-op program is one of the oldest in the nation, beginning in 1912.

Meet four students who recently took time between classes to work in their fields.

Fashioning an engineering career: There are talented women in tools—and undergraduate Tianna Seitz found her place among them during her co-op at Apex Tool Group in Lexington, S.C.

Finding a future profession: Fourth-year student Anna Pasquantonio has always loved National Geographic and has fond memories of collecting animal trading cards from the National Geographic Kids magazine. Pasquantonio’s summer 2022 internship experience at the organization’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., helped turn a life-long interest into a possible career.

Making connections in Los Angeles: When Sarah Mehani landed in Los Angeles in August 2022, her goal was to get more experience and connect with other aspiring filmmakers. She achieved that and more during her time as a rentals intern at AbelCine.

Dream job realized: Matej Dugandzic has long dreamed of owning a luxury hotel in his hometown of Cavtat, Croatia, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. He found a path to achieving his vision when he flipped through the pages of a magazine and found an article about RIT Croatia’s hospitality and tourism management degree.

This story is part of the 2023 President’s Annual Report. Read more stories from the report.