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For Courtney McNelis ’23, career success is a testament to the power of taking initiative and seizing opportunities. She transferred to the University with a clear goal: to build a meaningful career in human resources. Today, she’s the talent acquisition experience specialist at BIC, where she leads the company’s award-winning summer internship program.

Reflecting on her path, Courtney emphasizes the role the University of New Haven played in shaping her career. “The University of New Haven was where I really solidified my passion for human resources,” she says.

Support from professors such as her adviser Khadija Al Arkoubi, Ph.D., helped her focus on her goals and pushed her to think critically about her career path. Courtney shares, “Even now, while I’m not her student, she still advises me and provides me with guidance in my early career.”

Courtney earned a role as a summer intern at BIC, one of the top employers in Connecticut, while still completing her degree. That experience proved invaluable, giving her firsthand insight into the world of HR and solidifying her passion for helping others find their own career paths. “The internship was such an important stepping stone,” she recalls. “It gave me the chance to grow, learn, and get a feel for what I wanted to do long-term.”

It was through the Career Development Center at the University that Courtney first learned about the internship opportunity, a role that would eventually launch her career.

“I realized I had to take ownership of my career,” she explains.

Determined to turn the internship into a permanent role, Courtney approached her manager about staying on part-time while she finished her degree. This initiative not only secured her more experience but also set her up for a full-time opportunity at BIC after Commencement.

“I saw a full-time HR role posted on LinkedIn and went straight to my manager,” Courtney says. “I asked if I could apply, and, with her encouragement, I got the job. That was a pivotal moment in my career.

“I realized that I had to be the one to take the first move,” Courtney continues. “Sometimes you need to be a little bold.”

Now in her full-time role, Courtney has taken on a leadership role for that same summer internship program she herself started in. “It’s been incredible to come full circle,” she says. “Now I get to help shape the experience for interns and give them the opportunities that I had.”

Courtney is passionate about supporting the next generation of talent. “I love seeing interns grow and discover their own paths,” she shares. Under her leadership, BIC’s summer internship program was recognized as one of the best summer internship programs of 2024 by Yello and WayUp.

One of the most rewarding moments in Courtney’s career came interacting with an intern who approached her at the end of the program. “He told me, ‘You’ve always said we’ve made our mark on BIC, but you’ve undoubtedly made your mark on us,’” she recalls the intern saying.

“That’s what it’s all about for me—making a lasting impact.”

For students and early-career professionals, Courtney has one piece of advice: “Always be curious. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and take initiative.”

Courtney’s story is a powerful example of where determination, support from the right university, and a willingness to take risks can lead. For her, the University of New Haven was the launchpad that powered her career and helped her grow into a leader.

“The University gave me the foundation I needed to succeed,” she says. “It’s where I found my passion and started this incredible journey.”