DMI Major’s Chance Meeting with Widener Trustee Opens Doors to Career Success
When Anmona Das chose to attend a session as part of Widener’s artificial intelligence week, she had no idea her decision would lead to an internship opportunity and the addition of a Widener trustee to her network.
- College of Arts & Sciences
When Anmona Das chose to attend a session as part of Widener’s artificial intelligence week, she had no idea her decision would lead to an internship opportunity and the addition of a Widener trustee to her network.
Originally from Bangladesh, Das chose Widener for the small class sizes and immediate welcoming feeling she received from faculty and staff. She found her home in the Digital Media Informatics, or DMI, major with a marketing minor as a way to combine her interest in technology with her passion for art and creativity.
“We’re all a community in DMI which is great,” she said.
As part of Widener’s annual AI Week of events, Das attended one of the conversation sessions focused on creativity and authenticity with AI usage. Led by Assistant Professor of Philosophy Tom Wilk alongside student presenters, the event opened the floor for attendees to share their insight.
“Nobody else was really raising their hand so I jumped in,” said Das who shared about her experience using AI tools.
She had no idea that Widener Board of Trustees Member Lou Rodriguez ’91 was seated right next to her.
“I was there representing Widener but also as a business owner. I was curious about what Widener was doing with AI and, as an employer, what Widener is doing to prepare students,” he said. “Anmona was sitting right next to me. She was very confident and the way she was talking about the topic impressed me.”
Das continued, “I didn’t know who he was at the time but we started talking and he asked me ‘Do you need a job?’ I was trying to stay calm and composed!”
That chance meeting led to Das landing the role of brand and digital media intern for Rodriguez Consulting, a civil engineering firm based in Philadelphia for which Rodriguez serves as founder and CEO.
Das spent her summer working alongside the Rodriguez Consulting team working to help with their social media presence, marketing materials, branding and putting her creative skills to use creating templates and announcements.
“I’m the youngest person there but everyone has been so welcoming! I’m learning a lot of stuff that I didn’t know and about how the corporate setting works. This is my first internship, so I’m excited to be learning so much,” said Das.
“She has more than exceeded expectations. She’s very confident and intelligent. We’re already talking about the future,” Rodriguez said of Das’ time in her role.
Those conversations about the future have already paid off. Das’ internship with Rodriguez Consulting has been extended through the rest of her time at Widener until she graduates as part of the class of 2028.
“Her presence in the office has been great. She has a good attitude and a very positive personality so having her in the office has been really positive,” said Rodriguez.
Das and Rodriguez share the same advice for students – advice which feeds into the core of their chance meeting – relationships matter.
“Obviously you’re going to Widener to get skills and knowledge, but you need to use those opportunities to build relationships. In a world where it can feel like we're measured by a thousand likes or followers, success as your career and life progress has far more to do with relationships than connections. A mentor once asked me, ‘Who are your top five? I'm not talking about how many people you know, because I know there are many. I'm talking about who you will call when you need help.’ If you can't answer that question, that's where you start,” said Rodriguez.” [Anmona] has me standing behind her now.”
To new students, Das offers words of empowerment.
“Your experience and your network is going to take you farther than what you’re learning in a classroom. You might have all the skills, but if you don’t express yourself nobody is going to know how smart you are. Make as many connections as you can. I know you can succeed,” she said.
