Claire Michel, who grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will be graduating in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in life sciences communication, with certificates in entrepreneurship and Italian. In this Q&A, she describes how she found the LSC major, her leadership experiences, her plans for the future, and the value of the CALS QuickStart program.

Q: How did you decide on your major? Why did you choose it?
A: I realized early on that the major I had originally selected was not quite what I was interested in, so I met with advisors in CALS Academic Affairs and CALS Career Services and learned about life sciences communications. I knew that I was passionate about CALS and did not want to leave the college and it was LSC that really aligned with my interests as a student as well as the amazing opportunities and professors/staff I would be able to work and learn with. 

Q: What were the most valuable/meaningful college experiences you had?
A: The most meaningful experiences that I have had at UW within CALS would be the relationships I have built with the LSC professors and staff. Individuals within the department that know me by name and are interested in who I am and what I have/will accomplish. My advisor Tera treats every one of her students like they are the only advisee she has, an extremely unique experience for students – especially at such a large college. All my TAs and professors are always so helpful and do everything they can to make all their students successful! 

Q: When you think about your time here as student, what are you proud of?
A: As a student at UW and in CALS, I am extremely proud of my ability to grow as a leader. Leadership is something that is very valuable to me and I was concerned that I would not be able to find leadership opportunities at such a large university. However, that is not the case and I have moved through leadership within CALS as a CALS Ambassador and now the CALS Ambassador Alumni Relations Chair.  

Q: What are your future academic and/or career plans?
A: I am starting my graduation off strong with a job in Milwaukee with beverage brand Molson Coors! I will be working as a category management analyst and working in the department of space and assortment. 

Q: Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students? 
A: My biggest pieces of advice is to try everything at least once, the club, the class, the program – because you really never know what is going to stick and become a lifelong appreciation or passion. College really is the time to learn about everything that is out there and available and there never seems to be enough time so really use it to your advantage!

Q: Did you participate in the CALS QuickStart program the summer before your freshman year? If yes, how was that helpful to you?
A: I did, it was the best decision that I made to start my college career! It made the transition from high to college so much easier, especially at such a big campus like UW. I learned all about the resources UW/CALS offers. I also met lifelong friends, people I would go on to live with the rest of my time at college and people that will always be in my life!