Peer Mentor Program

A Peer Mentor is experienced in the recruitment process and can provide support in topics like career exploration, industry insight, and job search preparation and strategies. A Mentor can also provide support to students on co-op by sharing insights on navigating the professional environment, setting goals, time management, and how to make the most of a co-op experience.  

Peer Mentors also support the Steinbright Career Development Center and the university at large by attending events and engaging with prospective and current students, sharing their lived experience of the co-op program.  

Questions About the Program?

Contact the Peer Mentor Advising team at: scdcpeer@drexel.edu

Looking for Peer Mentor support?

Check out the list below to connect with a Peer Mentor today.

Abigail Lee

Class Year: Class of 2028
Major: Material Science and Engineering with a minor in Business Administration
Hometown: Norwood, MA

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I decided to become a Peer Mentor because I felt nervous and unsure about my co-op process when I first started at Drexel. I hope to support students who may have similar concerns and serve as a resource as they navigate through their own Co-op process.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My first Co-op was at Hanwha Philly Shipyard as a Hull Design Engineer Co-op. My second Co-op is at Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) working as a Manufacturing Engineer at the Composite Center of Excellence.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

Greys Anatomy!

Andrea Garcia-Castillo

Class Year: Class of 2029
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Drexel Hill, PA

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I wanted to help other students who may feel unprepared for college or the co-op process by sharing my own experiences. When I first started at Drexel, I participated in a peer mentorship program, and although it was short, I received valuable guidance that helped me throughout my time at Drexel. As a first-generation student, I also had many questions that I didn’t always know who to ask. I want to be someone students can turn to with questions they may not know where else to ask and help them feel more confident and prepared as they navigate their own experiences.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My first co-op was at PECO, where I worked as an engineering co-op with the Transmission & Substation Equipment Engineering group. I will be starting my second co-op with Boeing this fall.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

My favorite TV show to binge watch is Pretty Little Liars. I love the mystery and suspense, but I also enjoy how funny it can be at times.

Arantxa Almeida-Ruiz

Class Year: Class of 2029
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Hometown: Princeton, NJ

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I chose to become a Peer Mentor because I gained a lot of useful knowledge from other peer mentors during my first co-op experience, and I wanted the opportunity to give back. I found the co-op process overwhelming at first because I was unsure of what I was doing, but having people I could reach out to for advice made a huge difference. Since I understand how confusing the process can feel, I want to help other students feel more confident and less overwhelmed as they go through the process.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My first co-op was at Hikma Pharmaceuticals as an Associate Scientist Validations Engineer.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

I’m not much of a TV series watcher, but one of my favorite shows is Grey’s Anatomy.

Arwen Henao

Class Year: Class of 2028
Major: Digital Media & Virtual Production
Hometown: Little Falls, NJ

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I chose to become a Peer Mentor because throughout my time at Drexel and in the 5-year, 3-co-op program, I’ve continued to grow and better understand the direction I want to take my career. My courses, co-ops, and advice from people who have gone through the process have all played a big role in getting me to where I am today. With that, I want to give that same support to other students by helping them feel more confident and prepared in their career decisions, while encouraging them to make the most of their experiences and opportunities!

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

• First co-op: Operations Manager – Drexel Writing Center (DWC)
• Second co-op: Graphic Designer – Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
• Third co-op: Marketing and Communications Assistant – US Squash

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

Abbott Elementary

BumYeol Park

Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Electrical & Computer Engineering
Hometown: Huntingdon Valley, PA

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I think it's great to share what I've learned over the years about co-op. I felt lost weighing my options in the professional space and especially the industries I worked in. But through great mentors I met throughout my co-ops, I'm grateful to say that I've learned a lot about the roles I was placed in, the industries I've worked in, and about myself. I have a clearer idea of my career and professional goals through guidance. So, I'm grateful to provide extra support for others about the industry, professional experience, or co-ops.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My previous co-ops were at Delmarva Power (DPL), PECO, and Ametek PDS. I was a Distribution Capacity Planner at DPL, where I managed customer loads and made load forecasts on the electrical distribution system. Then I was a Grid Automation Engineer at PECO, where I prototyped potential new equipment for the electrical distribution system. My final co-op was at Ametek PDS, where I was an Embedded Software Engineer, writing and improving firmware for power distribution units for aerospace applications.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

My favorite TV show to binge watch is Superstore! The jokes are pretty off sometimes, but I like how the setting of a superstore reflects the diversity of the cast of characters. There's a teenager, single mom, college dropout, and many other characters who remind me of the types of people you would find in a superstore. The show also reminds me of random events that might happen not only in a superstore, but in daily life as you explore the world. We will encounter so many people with different backgrounds on the street, at work, or in a superstore.

Divyansh Gupta

Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Business Administration & Engineering (Software Engineering concentration) | Minors in Finance & FinTech
Hometown: Kolkata, India

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I believe the best support comes from working with students rather than simply advising them. After completing two very different co-ops and serving as Vice President of the National Organization of Business & Engineering, I have seen firsthand how valuable peer support and collaboration can be. The challenges I faced throughout my academic and professional journey have shaped my perspective, and I know many students experience their own version of that. It is easy to feel uncertain or stuck at times, and sometimes what helps most is speaking with someone who understands. Through my work with NOBE, I have also developed strong skills in resume reviews and professional communication, which I am excited to use to help students feel more prepared and confident. For me, this role is about building confidence together and supporting others as they navigate their co-op journey.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

Rycon Construction (Philadelphia) and Transline Technologies (New Delhi, India). I am also getting ready to start as an Assistant Project Estimator and Preconstruction AI Integrator at Target Building Construction (Philadelphia).

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

Succession

Eliana Zagdanski

Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Global Studies
Hometown: Lower Merion, PA

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I want to help others the way I wish someone had helped me when I was first applying to co-op. After three co-ops in three very different environments and application processes, including having interviews while studying abroad, I know first-hand the challenges of the co-op process. I know what it’s like to be thrown headfirst into an entirely new world, and how difficult it can be to juggle co-op applications, especially while trying to stay on top of classes and other responsibilities. I want to use my experiences and the challenges I faced to help other Drexel students feel confident and prepared, and to have a smooth, positive co-op experience.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

For my first co-op, I worked as a Marketing Coordinator at the French-American Chamber of Commerce; for my second, I worked at the law firm Duane Morris as a Research and Library Assistant; and for my final co-op, I worked as a Communications and Marketing Coordinator at Drexel’s English Language Center.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

I love binge-watching Gilmore Girls, especially as school starts up in the fall.

Jamie Morris

Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Hometown: Sicklerville, NJ

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I want to help other students learn the tips and tricks of co-op that I wish I would’ve known sooner! With the help of a mentor, Co-op becomes less daunting as someone can assist in guiding students into becoming confident, competitive applicants who can stand out in any space. I believe my experience, successes, even mistakes can help someone else learn faster, grow into themselves progressively, and make the most out of the knowns and unknowns of a Co-op.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

By the Fall of 2026, the start of my senior year, I will have completed 3 Co-ops. My first co-op was heavily focused on biomaterials at DSM Biomedical as a Manufacturing Engineering Co-op. At this internship, I have facilitated projects concerning collagen and laboratory procedures for mechanical parts that impressed my co-workers when presented to them. My second co-op was as a Non-profit STEM Manager at LABADEMIC, a start-up company focused on bringing STEM curriculum to schools, universities, and the workforce. Although not specifically engineering focused, I essentially functioned as a project manager where I developed many transferrable skills in that time. I truly believe the skills I learned at this internship helped me in my third Co-op. At my last co-op, I worked as an Engineering Intern at Maxx Orthopedics. This Co-op focused on what I wanted to do the most in engineering – biomechanics. My responsibility there was to assist design engineers in creating orthopedic instruments and implants for knees, shoulders, and hips. This was my most involved co-op, where I worked with engineers and surgeons concerning advanced projects I collaborated on. It was here that I learned to continue to develop as an engineer entering the competitive world and not simply an intern.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

My favorite show to binge watch is The Chosen. I highly recommend it!

Lucia Kamanousa

Class Year: Class of 2028
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Drexel Hill, PA

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I know what it feels like to navigate challenges without much guidance. In my first co-op, I entered a fast-paced environment with high expectations and direct feedback. At first, I struggled to find my footing, and my confidence wavered. Instead of stepping back, I leaned in: I sought feedback, learned from peers, showed up prepared every day, and turned mistakes into milestones. By the end, I was recognized for my growth and invited back for my reliability and efficiency. That experience taught me how valuable timely support and constructive feedback can be — and how difficult it is to move forward without them. I chose mentoring to be the person I wish I had: someone in your corner who listens, normalizes the learning curve, helps turn feedback into fuel, and celebrates the small wins that add up.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

Smile Team Dental (Dental Assistant) and CertainTeed Roofing (Co-Op Engineer)

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

The Office (Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and Spongebob Squarepants are close seconds)

Merril Biju

Class Year: Class of 2029
Major: Information Systems
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I remember how much it helped me as a freshman to have someone who had recently gone through the same experiences I was navigating. Now that I've completed my own co-op search and gone through my first co-op, I want to be that same resource for other students. I want to be someone who can offer current, firsthand advice rather than something abstract.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My previous co-op was at UGI Corporation, where I worked on the IAM (Identity and Access Management) and Digital Workplace & Governance team.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

My favorite TV show to binge watch is YOU.

Mia Hamilton

Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Fashion Industry & Merchandising
Hometown: Berwyn, PA

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I think the co-op process and similar experiences don’t need to be stressful! I want to help other students feel more prepared and confident.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

Anthropologie

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

Seinfeld

Nitish Chawla

Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Punjab, India

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

When I started at Drexel, I had never completed a formal interview and knew very little about how the co-op recruitment process worked. As a first-generation international student, I relied heavily on peer mentors and upperclassmen for guidance and reassurance. Their support helped me realize that feeling uncertain at the beginning was completely normal. I became a Peer Mentor because I want to offer that same support and help make the co-op process feel less intimidating, especially for students who may not know where to begin or feel comfortable asking for help.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My first co-op was at Exelon, where I worked as a Data Analyst. For my second co-op, I joined SAP through its rotational program. I worked as a Software Engineer during my first rotation and am currently working with a California-based AI engineering team for my second rotation.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

It’s pretty basic, but I love rewatching Peaky Blinders whenever I get the chance.

Quynh (Julie) Tran

Class Year: Class of 2029
Major: Business Analytics and Finance
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

Going through my first co-op search as an international student, I remember how overwhelming it felt to navigate an unfamiliar process while trying to figure out whether I was doing enough. I was fortunate to have advisors and friends who answered my questions and made the experience feel less intimidating. I became a Peer Mentor because I want to be that person for someone else, whether that means reviewing a resume, sharing what I learned, or simply reminding another student that they are not alone in the process.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My previous co-op was with URBN as a Talent Analytics Co-op. I worked on analytics projects, communicated insights, and collaborated with people across different teams. It was a wonderful experience that helped me grow a lot, especially by teaching me how to communicate with confidence and turn data into recommendations.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

I watch more movies than TV shows, but Coco is one I love to rewatch whenever I miss my family. Its story and music remind me of the importance of family, love, and staying connected to our roots.

Sania Mirza

Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Hometown: India

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I want to help other students navigate their academic and professional journeys with more confidence. Through my co-op experiences, I’ve learned valuable lessons and want to share the do’s and don’ts to make the process smoother for others. I know how vital the co-op process is and how it can shape an entire career, so I would love to guide students through it with practical advice and encouragement to help them feel prepared and supported.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My first co-op was at the University of Pennsylvania (FRES) as a Mechanical Engineering co-op and my second was at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP as a Technical Patent Analyst.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

Currently, my favorite TV show to binge-watch is Suits.

Santiago Nunez

Class Year: Class of 2029
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I received a lot of help throughout my academic journey, and now I want to do the same for other students. As an international and transfer student, I can share my experience navigating a new country, university, and professional environment. I’m also a commuter from Macungie, so spending 4+ hours a day traveling has taught me a lot about time management and balancing school, work, and personal life.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My previous co-op was at Victaulic, a company based in Easton, PA, that manufactures mechanical pipe couplings and other piping products. I worked as a Manufacturing Engineer in the Automated Assembly department, where I got to work on real manufacturing problems and develop engineering solutions.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

My favorite show to binge watch is The Sopranos!

Suhani Hota

Class Year: Class of 2028
Major: Business Analytics
Hometown: Skillman, NJ

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I chose to become a Peer Mentor because I know first-hand how overwhelming the co-op process can feel, and I want to help make that transition easier for others. When I went through it myself, I relied on advice from people who had already been through the process, and that support made a big difference. As a mentor I hope to share my own experiences and provide guidance so that students feel more confident and prepared.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

• PeopleMetrics - Market Research and Customer Experience Support
• Anthropologie – Consumer Insights

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

Off Campus

Zainab Sajjad

Class Year: Class of 2029
Major: Computing & Security Technology (CST)
Hometown: Delaware, DE

Why did you become a Peer Mentor?

I became a Peer Mentor because I remember how overwhelming the co-op process felt when I was going through it for the first time. There were a lot of things I didn’t know, and I think having someone who had already been through the process would have made me feel more confident. After completing my own co-op, I realized how much I learned from that experience, especially about taking initiative, asking questions, and being comfortable with not knowing everything right away. I wanted to become a Peer Mentor so I could share what I learned and help other students feel more prepared and confident throughout their own co-op journey.

Where was your previous co-op(s)?

My previous co-op was at Berkley Technology Services in Wilmington, Delaware, where I worked as an IT Service Management Engineer from September through March.

What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

New Girl