More Than a Summer Internship: Elise’s Story
When Elise Sepulveda joined the Menomonee River Valley STEM Internship Program, she wasn’t looking for a summer job. She was looking for a clearer picture of her future.
Architecture had already captured her interest, but she wanted to know what that career actually looked like beyond the classroom. The program was designed to do exactly that — give students the opportunity to step inside real workplaces, meet the people behind them, and explore careers firsthand.
“I hoped the internship would either confirm that passion or introduce me to a field that was an even better fit,” Elise said.
Over seven weeks, the STEM Internship Program introduced her to engineers, designers, manufacturers, environmental professionals, and business leaders from across the Menomonee River Valley. More importantly, it introduced her to people willing to answer
questions, share their experiences, and help students imagine what their futures could look like.
For Elise, one company kept capturing her attention.
The Introduction That Started It All
While researching businesses in the Valley, Elise discovered Bence|Build. She was fascinated by the firm’s work and intrigued to learn that co-founders Cameron and Tyler Bence had graduated from the same high school she attended. Here was a small local company leading complex, high-profile projects — and she wanted to understand how they did it.
She asked if the STEM Internship Program could introduce her to the team. They did.
Although Bence|Build wasn’t hosting interns that summer, Cameron and Tyler welcomed Elise anyway, spending time showing her what they do and answering question after question.
“She asked about a hundred questions about how things are built,” recalled Cameron Bence, co-founder of Bence|Build. “We knew she had the curiosity and passion to be successful in this field.”
That one meeting could have ended there. It didn’t.
Curiosity Creates Opportunity
While she was in college, she reached back out to Bence|Build. The team remembered her curiosity, initiative, and enthusiasm — and created an internship opportunity for her. They later invited her back for a second summer.
For Cameron, her success wasn’t surprising. “She never takes shortcuts or goes through the motions,” he said. “She’s never too proud to ask for help, she’s incredibly positive, and she’s always eager to learn.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
For Elise, the biggest lessons weren’t found in textbooks. They came from watching projects move from ideas to reality, asking questions on active job sites, and learning from mentors who genuinely wanted her to succeed.
“They’ve never made me feel inexperienced,” she said. “They’ve always taken time to teach me new skills, explain complex concepts, and answer every question with patience.”
Just as meaningful was the culture they had built.
“Watching professionals mentor young people showed me that pursuing a career in the Menomonee River Valley meant joining a community that truly invests in the next generation.”
Looking back, Elise says the greatest lesson wasn’t architecture or engineering. It was learning to ask questions, advocate for herself, and embrace opportunities she never imagined.
The professionals she met didn’t just share their expertise — they invested in her future, a lesson she’ll carry throughout her career.
Now back at Bence|Build for her second summer, Elise is continuing to build the skills, relationships, and confidence that are shaping the future she once only imagined.
“This internship truly launched my career much earlier than I ever expected,” she said. “Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Her advice to any student considering the Menomonee River Valley STEM Internship Program is simple:
“Apply — you won’t regret it. Even if you’re unsure about your future, this program will give you clarity, confidence, and connections that will benefit you for years to come.”
Interested in the Menomonee River Valley STEM Internship? Contact Catrina Crane at Catrina@TheValleyMKE.org.
