Sage Corps’ programs offer transformative international internships to top university students worldwide where they tackle real problems and build real solutions. Our fellows have used this opportunity to accelerate their careers and positioned themselves ahead of their peers in the eyes of recruiters. We’ve asked alumnus Dalvin Sejour about his personal experience with Sage Corps, how his career developed after the program, and what advice he has for students.
The best part about my Sage Corps experience was being able to work in a different country and to live alone. I was excited about starting from scratch and making new friends in a foreign country
1. Tell us a little about yourself!
I graduated from Montclair State University, where I studied Information Technology. I am currently working as a software engineer at a startup called dutchie.
2. What was your experience with Sage Corps like?
My Sage Corps experience was very unique because I was working while being in school. Thanks to Sage Corps, I was able to study abroad and work at a start-up company. I worked as a Software Engineer in Australia, building a tool for the CEO.
3. What was your favorite part about being a part of Sage Corps?
The best part was being able to work in a different country and to live alone. I was excited about starting from scratch and making new friends in a foreign country. I loved traveling to different places from Australia! I visited Thailand, New Zealand, and Singapore. I remember enjoying Singapore a lot because its green architecture was fascinating.
4. How has that experience helped you in your career journey?
The job at the Australian startup was my first time working with a high net worth individual. I had a lot of opportunities to have 1:1 conversations with the CEO. From that experience, I learned to not be afraid to speak up or to be myself. I also learned how to have good conversations with my supervisors.
5. What do you think is beneficial about working at a startup?
My startup experience taught me how to break down complicated topics into something any business person can understand.
6. Do you have any advice for young professionals?
Travel around the world when you can! I’m so glad that I did when I had the chance because I will never be able to go to another country with little to no responsibility again. Moreover, utilize the unique opportunity Sage Corps gives you. When I was recruiting for a job, people always remembered that I studied and worked abroad in Australia and asked questions about that experience. It helped me stand out from the crowd.
Personal Note
I wrote a book about how I started my career from scratch with no industry connections and secured 7 internships doing what I love the most. It’s called The Guidebook to Securing High Profile Internships, and I believe it would be helpful to a lot of college students who are launching their careers.
