Difference Makers
UM-Dearborn Difference Makers are at the forefront of their fields. They’re improving the lives of others and making an impact on campus and in our local communities.
Stefania Haag has an undeniable drive to succeed.
“I am a firm believer that we should be in school to study what we are passionate about.”
What Stefania is passionate about is industrial engineering.
Upon transferring to UM-Dearborn, Stefania fully utilized the College of Engineering Co-Op office as a valuable resource to help her achieve her goals. She had an internship with Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, a local tier one automotive supplier during the summer of 2012, where she gained valuable professional experience.
“The relationships I made working at Goodwill are some I still have today,” Stefania said. “I am even doing my senior design project at the facility this year.”
With a desire to gain experience in her field outside of the automotive industry, Stefania turned down a second internship with Goodwill to work at Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts in Orlando for the Winter 2013 semester.
“Being paid to go to the parks was a dream. I absolutely loved every day I went to work,” Stefania said. “Interacting with guests and working towards enhancing their guest experience was beyond rewarding. I have plans to return for another internship with Walt Disney World in May 2014, and it could not come soon enough.”
Stefania values her internship opportunities, and upon her return from Walt Disney World, she began working for Chrysler. She feels fortunate for the opportunity to experience the two primary industries of industrial engineering: manufacturing and service.
“Through these opportunities she gained valuable experiences that have strengthened her skills as an engineer and provided her with the ability to serve as a role model for fellow engineering students in general, and women engineers in particular,” said Kridli Ghassan, associate professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering.
Stefania has a bright future ahead of her and her career is just beginning.
“Everything I do at UM-Dearborn is a reflection of this ambition and is what I think sets me apart from my peers,” she said.
