Cooperative Education Student Achievement Award Recipient

Julia Hellquist, University of Wisconsin-Stout

Julia Hellquist is a December 2023 graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Stout. She recently completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering along with minors in mathematics and materials science. While enrolled at UW-Stout, Julia completed four semesters of Co-op at General Motors.   

During Julia’s time at General Motors, she took on several essential roles with a variety of teams in various locations and plants. First, she was part of two separate back-to-back co-op rotations during 2021 in Spring Hill, Tennessee. These teams included Indirect Material Strategy and the Production Engineering Team, where she worked to create solutions and bring designs to reality. During the summer of 2022, she supported the Global Manufacturing Vehicle Systems Team as a Compartment Manufacturing Engineer in Warren, Michigan, where she contributed to overall interior assembly quality and safety. Most recently in 2023, Julia assisted three teams in a remote position through cross functionally, aiding with various business needs within the company. During this co-op rotation she supported the Vehicle Systems Financial Team, the Process Failure Mode Effect and Analysis Team, and the Virtual Development Design and Validation Team. This most recent cross functional rotation showcased Julia’s growth in the engineering space through a multi-functional approach to her work which ensured innovation, quality, finances, and collaboration within the company. 

Julia is described as passionate with a strong work ethic, and a desire to give back. Julia is said to be a self-starter, a quick learner, and someone that demonstrates great engineering problem solving skills. Her creativity, leadership skills, and her exceptional communication skills have enabled the success of all her projects.  

Julia is a first-generation college student; when introduced to the field of engineering, it was love at first sight. She quickly learned that UW-Stout’s polytechnical approach was a perfect fit as she experienced applied learning daily, with a continued emphasis on career focus and collaboration opportunities with industry.  

At UW-Stout, Julia was a member of UW-Stout’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, listed on the Dean’s list four times, received the UW-Stout Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year award, and earned a Certificate of Appreciation from Disabilities Services, all while working part time as an Academic Resource Coordinator. After graduation, Julia will continue working for General Motors as a Track Engineer in Warren, MI.