Aligning passion with calling

Juliana Renert has always had a passion for art, and painting is her favorite medium. She entered the institute’s Innovation in Art competition last spring and ultimately won both first place and the people’s choice award – and $500. Her winning entry, “Ignite,” (oil on canvas) depicts her mother’s hands cupping a ball of light. "Hands are the connector for yourself and the environment, people, and the world," she explained. Her mother, who recently returned to school after being a stay-at-home mom, serves as Renert’s  greatest inspiration. (See photo above.)

Her  early interest in art blossomed into a passion that ultimately influenced her choice of major at UC Davis. "Hobbies can lead to passions, which can lead to careers. Following your interests is a risk, especially in a creative field," she acknowledged. "But for me, it was a good choice."

Juliana Renert wasn’t always someone who “leaned in” to new opportunities, preferring to stick with what was familiar. But she wanted to make the most of her time at UC Davis, so she challenged herself to seek out new experiences. She participated in the EQUIP fellowship, and the experience opened her eyes to new possibilities for her career and even her life.

Offered by the UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, EQUIP—Entrepreneurship Quest: Undergraduate Internship Program—is a fellowship open to all majors and disciplines. Students clarify their career aspirations, develop innovation and leadership skills, build their network, and gain confidence as they take practical steps toward securing an internship.

EQUIP allowed Renert, a design major minoring in sustainability and the built environment, to learn skills that weren’t emphasized in her other courses, such as speaking confidently in public and developing a growth mindset. “The ability to practice these skills in a safe space where everyone is in the same boat helped me a lot,” Renert said. 

She also mentioned the benefits of being around like-minded members of her cohort. “Being with students from different majors but with a similar mindset all pushing themselves is really cool,” she said. “We created a network and they offered to help me. Students who had been in my position gave me tips for applying and networking.” She even met up with a fellow EQUIP student in London, after they realized they would both be there as part of different programs. 

“I began to feel more confident in my choices and actions,” Renert said, “so I went for opportunities that I would have left sitting open on my computer before.” Now a third-year student, the skills she learned and her determination to seek out new opportunities have taken her around the world. 

Taking a chance on new opportunities 

Renert had always been interested in studying abroad, but she wasn’t sure she would be accepted. With her new-found confidence, she applied to the Social-Ecological Sustainability program in Chile, offered by the UC Education Abroad Program. And, because she learned in EQUIP to apply in multiple places, she also applied to the Design in Europe Study Abroad Program offered by UC Davis Global Learning. She was accepted to both.

Each program was transformative in its own way, Renert said. In Europe, she studied in Iceland, Scotland and England. She hadn’t known much about exhibition design before the trip, and the opportunities she had to work in firms, schools, and museums made her realize how much she wants a career in that realm. “The experience changed the course of my major,” she said. 

Without EQUIP, I wouldn’t have applied to go to Europe. It was very much worth it, and it set me on the path I am on today."

The program in Chile was also an incredible experience. She learned to adapt to new situations, such as living with a host family, speaking another language, and interacting with an indigenous culture. “It gave me patience with myself and also made me push myself harder,” she said. “I met new people in a new culture. I think I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. Being exposed to a world that was not on my radar has led me to adapt and realize how big the world really is.”

Expanding her skillset

When she returned to campus, Renert wanted to gain more experience with exhibitions, so she took another step outside her comfort zone. She approached Professor Tim McNeil, director of the UC Davis Design Museum, and offered to help him with an upcoming journal show. Professor McNeil then offered her a position designing the senior student showcase this spring with a team of two other students. “I was willing to help, so I offered my skills,” Renert said. “It taught me that doing things for people merely for the sake of learning can open doors for the future.”

Interested in EQUIP?

We are accepting applications now for the Spring 2025 cohort! Apply on StartUpTree by April 2 using the link below.

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