Darby Winchel

Role: Career & Internship Specialist: Communications, Media and the Arts

Hometown: Beloit, Wisconsin 

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (Reporting) and Gender & Women’s Studies, UW-Madison

Hobbies: Camping, swimming, archery

Fun Fact: I really love snorkeling!

What was your best/worst student job or internship? I interned with what is now the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement (i.e., that responsible for SOAR and Wisconsin Welcome). Not only did I work with a great community of professional and student employees, my then-supervisor would later refer me to my first professional role at the university! Ironically, I went from supporting the programs as an intern to becoming the lead communications manager years later.

What was your first job? At fifteen, I was folding an absurd amount of denim and t-shirts at American Eagle. However, my first professional role was a copywriter for The Evoke Agency. I came on as an intern my junior year of college and dipped my toes into social posts, press releases, and ghost writing. Then, after graduating, I joined the company full time.

What made you decide to work in career services? I was eager to call on my past industry experience while also forming deeper connections with the people I served. Becoming a career & internship specialist allows me to pay forward what I’ve learned in the field while also supporting a new generation of (incredibly talented) communicators.