Sage Bushstone Finds IT Career Path Through Co-op Program

UC student leverages early tech experience and university resources to discover passion for data engineering

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:08am

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A glowing, 3D macro illustration of a data server rack with illuminated cables and circuit boards, representing the digital infrastructure that powers Sage Bushstone's data engineering work.Sage Bushstone's passion for data engineering is reflected in the glowing, high-tech infrastructure powering her co-op experiences.Loveland Today

Sage Bushstone, a student in the University of Cincinnati's School of Information Technology (SoIT), discovered her interest in IT at a young age through extracurricular activities like VEX robotics and the INTERalliance organization. She continued to build on this foundation by participating in UC's Early IT program and summer camp, which led to an internship opportunity with Kroger Technology. Now in the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program, Bushstone has completed two co-op rotations with Fifth Third Bank and one with ADM, helping her realize a passion for data engineering that she is now pursuing through a dual-track IT major.

Why it matters

Bushstone's story highlights the value of hands-on learning experiences and industry exposure for students interested in technology careers. By leveraging UC's co-op program and other resources, she was able to explore different IT specialties and find the right fit, positioning her for success after graduation.

The details

During her first year at UC, Bushstone took a heavy course load and participated in the SoIT's Student Success Program, which provided mentorship and guidance. She spent time searching for co-op opportunities and secured internships with Fifth Third Bank and ADM, where she gained experience in data engineering and web development. Bushstone's co-op experiences inspired her to pursue a dual-track IT major, adding the data technologies track alongside software development.

  • Bushstone served as captain of her VEX robotics team in high school, sparking her initial interest in technology.
  • She worked her way up to become the chief information officer and lead the tech team for the annual TechOlympics event with the INTERalliance organization.
  • Bushstone participated in UC's Early IT program and summer camp during high school, which led to an internship opportunity with Kroger Technology.
  • Bushstone completed her first co-op with Fifth Third Bank in spring 2024, followed by a second co-op with the bank the following semester.
  • Bushstone completed a co-op with ADM doing data engineering during the summer of 2025.

The players

Sage Bushstone

A student in the University of Cincinnati's School of Information Technology (SoIT) who discovered her passion for IT at a young age and has leveraged the university's resources, including the co-op program, to explore different specialties and find her niche in data engineering.

Alana Calhoun

The Assistant Director of Student Success in the SoIT, who has provided mentorship and guidance to Bushstone throughout her academic journey.

University of Cincinnati

The university that offers the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program, which includes a co-op program that rotates paid work experience and classroom instruction every semester following a student's freshman year.

INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati

A student-run organization that helps students explore the region's IT industry via collaborative activities, paid internships, and events like the annual TechOlympics.

Fifth Third Bank

The financial institution where Bushstone completed two co-op rotations, gaining experience in data engineering and web development.

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What they’re saying

“I really appreciated the co-op program that UC has built into the curriculum.”

— Sage Bushstone, UC Student

“In her role as a coach to first- and second-year SoIT students, Sage distinguished herself through her professionalism, leadership and genuine ability to connect with others.”

— Alana Calhoun, Assistant Director of Student Success, UC School of Information Technology

What’s next

Bushstone is set to complete a co-op experience with Cincinnati Insurance Companies this summer, further expanding her industry exposure and skill set.

The takeaway

Bushstone's journey demonstrates the value of hands-on learning opportunities and industry engagement for students interested in technology careers. By leveraging UC's co-op program and other resources, she was able to explore different IT specialties and find her passion in data engineering, positioning her for success after graduation.