STEP Student Ambassador Spotlight

November 2, 2026

STEP Ambassadors are former participants who play an important role in strengthening the STEP community. Ambassadors support student recruitment, assist with events, and share their experiences in meaningful and creative ways. Through their involvement, STEP Ambassadors make a valuable difference within STEP and across the Ohio State community.

Melanie Kessler
Major: Business Economics
Minor: Environmental Science
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
STEP Signature Project: Internship Category - Finance Internship with Peraton

What was the most memorable part of your STEP Experience?
Getting the chance to live and explore a different city for the whole summer. My internship took place in Washington, D.C. so I got to explore downtown, discover new places, and experience living in a different place.

How did your STEP Experience help you grow?
My STEP experience helped me grow personally by building friendships and making valuable connections. Professionally, I got to experience a corporate lifestyle and learned more about how a large company operates within finance.

What do you enjoy most about serving as a STEP Student Ambassador?
I enjoy talking with students and sharing my own experience. I love helping students understand what makes STEP such a unique opportunity while making them feel welcomed and excited to take advantage of the program.

What advice would you give to students who are considering joining STEP?
I would encourage students to step outside their comfort zone. STEP is a great opportunity to meet new people and have experiences you might not otherwise get.

Fun Fact!
Recently, my favorite hobby has been drawing with oil pastels.

Learn more about Melanie’s experience:
Melanie's STEP Signature Project Reflection