Chippewa Valley Times

Julia Hellquist was initially uncertain about pursuing higher education, as she was the first in her family to consider college. Drawn by UW-Stout’s lab-based, applied learning focus, she enrolled and graduated in December 2023 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Hellquist secured a position as an engineer at General Motors (GM), one of the largest and most renowned companies in the U.S.

In spring 2024, Hellquist received the Student Achievement Award from the national Cooperative Education and Internship Association. This marked the second time in six years that a UW-Stout student has won this honor. The award recognized her four co-op experiences with GM.

“Julia Hellquist is an exceptional student and engineer,” said her GM team. “She has proven to be a self-starter, quick learner and someone that demonstrates great engineering problem-solving skills.”

Hellquist’s initial GM co-ops were conducted in person: from June to September 2021 in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and May to August 2022 in Warren, Michigan. Her contributions included working as an interior compartment manufacturing engineer for the 2024 luxury Cadillac Celestiq and leading error proofing and design changes of vehicle components.

Her subsequent co-ops were remote during summer and fall 2023, involving major projects such as training to become a PFMEA engineer and improving quality and productivity processes.

“Julia exceeded all expectations by leading the team through this difficult Operational Excellence project while completing other projects,” noted her team.

GM hired over 56 UW-Stout graduates from 2022-23 alone. Hellquist attributed her success at GM to her comprehensive education at UW-Stout. “I was able to learn welding, machining, and work on projects during each class that aided me in remembering the course content,” she said.

UW-Stout’s Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering offers various programs including manufacturing, plastics, computer, electrical engineering, and engineering technology. A master’s degree in manufacturing engineering is also available on campus or online.

Bethany Henthorn, co-op and internship program manager at UW-Stout Career Services, highlighted the personalized support students receive: “When students land their positions, they are often uncertain about their abilities. Upon completion of their work experience, I see students confident in their abilities along with a record of success.”

More than 27,000 UW-Stout students have benefited from its Cooperative Education & Internship Program since its inception over 40 years ago.

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