Though second-year Grace Donavan-Lafuente's internship with Women And Drones was fully remote, it offered her invaluable connections to leaders in the tech industry.
According to its website, Women And Drones is "the leading organization dedicated to driving excellence in the uncrewed aerial system (UAS)/advanced air mobility (AAM) industry by advocating for female participation in this dynamic segment of the global economy." With educational ventures and programming for all ages, the organization aims to inspire and support women in their pursuits of careers in STEM and aviation.
Donavan-Lafuente, a molecular engineering major in the College, said she found this internship by scrolling Handshake for technology, engineering and design-related jobs. It was not automatically offered as a Metcalf internship, but she then applied for a Metcalf Fellowship Grant online.
What stood out to you about the position as an applicant?
While researching Women And Drones’ services and partners, I realized the opportunity I had to learn about the huge range of drone applications in sustainability, cultural preservation and humanitarian relief. Also, I was keen on contributing to the company’s mission to encourage female participation in aviation and create a diverse, supportive network for existing women in the drone industry.
What did your internship entail, and in what ways did it prepare you for your professional career?
My internship consisted of working on multiple independent projects as well as a group project with two other interns. My personal projects included editing current and planning future editions of Women And Drones’ E-Magazine ‘Vertical Space’ and, for the group project, I helped launch an international competition for high schoolers to boost young women in the aviation industry.
My time at Women And Drones allowed me to speak informally with engineers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, financial advisors and professional creative directors. These conversations, as well as my work presenting analytical reports and developing a weighted judging rubric for the global competition, allowed me to realize my passion for sustainable engineering and that I would thrive in a start-up environment where teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail are key.
What advice would you have for future students pursuing similar internships and/or careers?
Do not feel like your search has to be limited to what you see on Handshake. In conversations with Women And Drones’ CEO, I learned that many small businesses benefit greatly from interns but may not have thought to set up an official program yet; be proactive and reach out to companies that interest you! Also, if you are unsure about your future direction, try involving yourself in an industry that has a wide range of related sectors (such as drones) to learn more about the tech industry in general.
What are your aspirations?
I would love to combine my interests in materials engineering, art and design for the amelioration of the climate crisis. I am also fascinated by biomimicry and the potential of this field to apply nature’s mechanisms to the materials used in our cities today. Exploring the wide scope of drone applications during my time at Women And Drones has given me the ability to realize these aspirations.