Catching up with Angel Abena Poku ’26, a design major from Ghana

Please tell us a little about yourself

I am a third-year design major with a minor in marketing and I am from Ghana. I had a family member who was employed at Wheaton and they highly recommended the college. When I was applying to Wheaton I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in so I started as a computer science student. I later became more interested in art and technology and declared as a design major because I want to become a User Experience (UX) designer. I also love art, all things creative, photography, film, spending my time with friends and trying new things.

What clubs/organizations are you involved in?

I’m the marketing chair for the Black Student Association and the African Student Association. I manage both association’s social media accounts creating content, videos and flyers for events to encourage other students to attend events.

How did you start working with the Wheaton College Division of Advancement as a student worker?

I wanted to diversify my experiences and to be able to look back after my four years and tell myself, “I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do.” I previously worked in the Gift Planning department which helped me get my current position with the Division of Advancement. I worked with Jamie McAndrews in donor engagement and I think she is a great manager so I wanted to work with her more closely. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Advancement Division student worker.

You were required to complete an internship as part of your academic requirements. What was your summer internship like? 

I learned through the Marshall Center that there is funding available for unpaid internships. I have a relative that works at Loop3 who recommended I apply to gain experience. This position would help me in web design and teach me how to apply design principles. My internship was fully remote but I met with my manager a few times a week to discuss projects and how we could apply what I’m learning in class to real life situations. Some of my responsibilities while at Loop3 Design were being involved in the redesign of their logo, wireframing for their new website and working with other clients on new logos and websites.

How do you juggle a busy academic schedule, an internship and a work-study position? What advice do you have for other students?

Time management is my best friend. I prioritize my urgent tasks, decide what needs more attention and what can be done quickly. If I can delegate and ask for help, I will. I also take the time for self care. Even though we’re in college to learn, I find it’s always beneficial to take time for myself, especially if I’m getting overwhelmed and feel overworked. I will go to sleep earlier or sleep in some days, which I feel works for me. But I also try to continue to have fun.

How has Wheaton prepared you in your work-study and/or internships? 

Wheaton has helped me understand the different fields a design student can get into. I wasn’t sure if my career aspirations would align well as a design major but the head of the department and my professors have helped me prepare for the future as well as internships. I recently had an interview with a big company and I mentioned it to one of my professors who then gave me tips to help me with my interview. Also, working while being in college has helped me with time management which I feel will help me translate well into post-grad life. These experiences have made me think about what my dream work place looks like and what types of companies I want to apply to.

Is there anyone at Wheaton who has influenced you throughout your time here?

Those in the departments I have worked in; the library, advancement with gift planning and donor engagement, all the people in Mary Lyon Hall have played a huge role in my time at Wheaton. Also Tania Schlatter, professor of the practice and design program lead, has been helpful navigating design and internships. My advisor, Kelly Goff has also been extremely helpful throughout my time here.

Do you have any final thoughts/advice to share?

As a third-year I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, which I feel is part of the process of being in college. Soon enough I’m going to look back on my four years of college and will miss it. My advice is to try to be present and try to live in the moment because eventually it’s going to end. Even if things may not be going exactly as planned, stay in the moment because this is where you are right now.