Work Experience
"Dulf completed every assignment thoroughly and promptly, often going above and beyond expectations. I knew I could count on him when I needed a quick turnaround or a creative idea."
- Michelle Checketts, PhD Student in Business Administration
Research Assistant | Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Part-time
Urbana-Champaign Area | Sep 2023 - December 2023 | 4 months | Hybrid
Overview:
As a Research Assistant at the Gies College of Business, I am dedicated to advancing social sciences research, actively contributing to studies that explore diverse aspects of human interaction and behavior. My role involves literature review, empirical journal analysis, IRB approvals, and creating research materials using tools like Qualtrics.
Key Responsibilities:
Conducting research on various projects and initiatives by Principal Investigators.
Managing IRB approvals and project management tools for research projects.
Creating research materials utilizing tools such as Qualtrics.
Skill Development:
Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methodologies
Interpreting Data
Research Design
Research Skills
Administrative Assistance
Research Impact:
In collaboration with a dynamic team, I actively contribute to both online and in-person research studies, utilizing advanced tools like Qualtrics and project management techniques. Our research delves into the nuanced impact of concerns about bias and physiological reactions within diverse group dynamics. This aligns with Gies' commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, allowing me to make meaningful strides in these essential areas of study.
Project Manager/Operations Intern | Ameren Innovation Center | Full-time
Urbana-Champaign Area | May 2023 - December 2023 | 7 months | On-site
Overview:
In my role as a Scrum Master/Project Manager at the Ameren Innovation Center in Champaign, Illinois, I lead the Application Development Team and oversaw key projects. I focus on fostering agile methodologies and collaborative teamwork to empower my team to deliver high-quality results.
Key Initiatives:
- Bill Validation: Leading the development of an innovative solution for accurate billing of Ameren Missouri residential customers. Utilizing advanced data analysis and smart meter technology, we ensure reliable billing accuracy and customer satisfaction.
- "Spot" Dog Robotics: Managing an R&D project integrating robotics into our inspection processes. Training Ace, our four-legged companion, to enhance inspections, streamline processes, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency.
Skills Utilized:
Software Project Management · Agile Methodologies · Jira · Scrum
Operations Intern:
In my role as a Full-time Operations Intern at Ameren, I synchronize my interests with project assignments while also managing operations at the Center. This includes overseeing community development initiatives locally and coordinating initiatives at Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. Actively engaging in team discussions, I contribute valuable insights and demonstrate leadership skills.
Skills Developed:
Community organization · Agile Methodologies · Leadership · Project Management · Jira
Impact and Reflection:
These experiences at Ameren have allowed me to further develop my skills, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to the success of various projects. I appreciate the opportunities to apply my expertise and collaborate within a dynamic work environment.
Barbara Seaquist Williams Fellow | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Part-time
Urbana-Champaign Area | Nov 2022 - May 2023 | 7 months | On-site
Overview:
As a Barbara Seaquist Williams Fellow at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I am part of a prestigious paid internship honoring the legacy of Barbara Seaquist Williams—an alumna dedicated to volunteerism and community impact. This role aligns seamlessly with my passion for public service and community engagement.
Key Contributions:
Actively engaged in public service-related activities, organizing initiatives, and participating in community service projects.
Facilitated the Service Saturdays program and organized a donation drive for the train derailment incident in East Palestine, Ohio.
Streamlined service projects and fostered collaboration among student groups through involvement in the Student Leaders in Civic Engagement (SLICE) program.
Skills Developed:
Public Services
Leadership
Communication
Time Management
Professional Networking
Strategic Thinking
Impact and Reflection:
This fellowship has not only enhanced my leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills but has also deepened my commitment to community engagement on campus and beyond. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Barbara Seaquist Williams' inspiring dedication to volunteerism and community impact, I look forward to furthering her legacy.
Student Consultant on Advancing Digital Equity | Digital Promise | Seasonal
Washington, District of Columbia, United States | Apr 2022 - Sep 2022 | 6 months | Hybrid
Overview:
As a Student Consultant on Advancing Digital Equity at Digital Promise, I played a pivotal role in the Digital Equity Education Roundtable (DEER) Initiative, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology (OET) and Digital Promise. Focused on addressing challenges related to digital equity, my work aimed to increase access to technology for all learners.
Key Contributions:
- Provided a student perspective on barriers to digital equity, offering insights and solutions to bridge the digital divide.
- Actively participated in discussions and provided recommendations to advance digital equity in education.
- Featured in a promotional video for the DEER Initiative, contributing to awareness about equitable access to technology for all students.
Skills Developed:
- Government Relations
- Education
- Professional Networking
- Community Outreach
- Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Strategic Thinking
Impact and Experience:
Being part of this initiative allowed me to contribute to the national conversation on digital equity, advocating for the needs of students. Collaborating with industry leaders, I made a meaningful impact in advancing digital equity in education.
Violin Instructor | Freelance
Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States | May 2021 - Sep 2022 | 1 year 5 months
Overview:
As a freelance Violin Instructor, I passionately shared my knowledge and love for the violin with students. I specialized in tailoring instruction to meet individual needs and crafting personalized lesson plans to facilitate each student's musical development.
Key Responsibilities:
Guided students in mastering violin techniques and selecting appropriate repertoire.
Developed personalized lesson plans to meet the unique needs of each student.
Fostered a supportive and encouraging learning environment to enhance student confidence.
Facilitated the honing of performance skills for comprehensive musical development.
Skills Emphasized:
Tailored Instruction
Lesson Planning
Leadership
Communication
Performance Skills Development
Individualized Teaching
Impact:
As a violin instructor, I successfully combined my passion for music with leadership and communication skills. Witnessing students' growth and progress in their musical abilities even beyond my instruction was a deeply rewarding experience.
Community Development Liaison | Maine Township High School District 207 | Internship
Des Plaines, Illinois, United States | Jul 2021 - Aug 2022 | 1 year 2 months
Overview:
During my internship as a Community Development Liaison at Maine Township High School District 207, I cultivated partnerships with esteemed organizations such as Abbott Molecular Facilities, Clean Up Give Back, the Des Plaines Public Library, the Des Plaines Food Pantry, Digital Promise, and more. These collaborations were pivotal in advancing community development initiatives and positively impacting the lives of local residents.
Key Contributions:
Forged partnerships with Abbott Molecular Facilities, Clean Up Give Back, Des Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines Food Pantry, and other esteemed organizations.
Facilitated joint projects and initiatives addressing community needs, fostering unity, and collaboration.
Organized impactful environmental initiatives with Clean Up Give Back, promoting sustainability and cleanliness in neighborhoods.
Leveraged partnerships to provide resources, support, and services to individuals and families in need.
Learning and Skill Development:
Enhanced skills in community partnership development, project management, and effective communication.
Gained valuable insights into effective collaboration, resource management, and the power of collective action.
Impact:
These partnerships expanded the reach and impact of our community development efforts at both the school and district levels, providing meaningful learning experiences and contributing to positive change. The internship was a rewarding experience, and I am proud of the lasting impact achieved through collaborative efforts.
Operations Intern | SPEAK Des Plaines | Internship
Des Plaines, Illinois, United States | Jun 2021 - Aug 2022 | 1 year 3 months
Overview:
In my role as an Operations Intern at SPEAK Des Plaines, I collaborated closely with local leaders and officials to enhance operational efficiency and contribute to the organization's mission. From facilitating meetings to fostering community engagement, I played a pivotal role in various initiatives that strengthened relationships within the community.
Key Achievements:
Facilitated meetings, restructured schedules, and introduced platforms to enhance operational efficiency.
Raised awareness among local organizations and educational centers, promoting the organization's mission and values.
Established strategic partnerships to foster community engagement and support.
Community Engagement:
Actively connected with the community by sharing information about local government, politics, and events, ensuring residents remained informed and involved.
Skills Developed:
Event Planning
Networking
Social Media Marketing
Community Partnership Development
Leadership
Administrative Assistance
Strategic Thinking
Experience Impact:
My tenure at SPEAK Des Plaines equipped me with valuable skills in event planning, networking, community partnership development, and more. I take pride in contributing to the organization's success and am eager to apply these skills in future endeavors.
Sales Representative | Paramount Lead Solutions | Part-time
Des Plaines, Illinois, United States | Jun 2019 - Aug 2019 | 3 months
Overview:
As a Sales Representative at Paramount Lead Solutions, I excelled in fostering collaboration, honed superior communication skills, and consistently provided exceptional customer service. My role involved coordinating appointments with prominent car dealerships, negotiating favorable deals, and maintaining a professional and personable demeanor.
Key Achievements:
Successfully scheduled and coordinated appointments with prominent car dealerships.
Demonstrated superior communication skills by effectively engaging with loyal customers and negotiating favorable deals.
Upheld a professional and personable demeanor, consistently delivering exceptional customer service.
Skills Developed:
Customer Experience
Sales
Client Rapport
Leadership
Communication
Strategic Thinking
Experience Impact:
My tenure at Paramount Lead Solutions provided valuable insights into the sales industry, enhancing my understanding of customer needs and fostering the ability to build strong relationships. I take pride in my contributions to the team and the positive impact on the company's success.
