Education

• MEd in Counseling Psychology, Washington State University
• BA in Psychology, Gonzaga University

Biography

Francisco—or “Paco,” as he prefers to be called—Mesch is a co-op faculty member for the College of Computer and Information Science. Mesch assists students in preparing for co-op using his background in experiential learning and career services. He teaches the CCIS Graduate Co-op Seminar and works with students throughout the process, as well as lends a hand to employer outreach. Prior to working at Northeastern, Mesch worked at Bellevue College as a career and employment specialist focused on internships and work-study. Mesch grew up in the Philippines, but has lived in Seattle now for the past 15 years.

What are the specifics of your educational/career background?

I have over ten years of experience in career services – advising, directing and guiding professional development. In addition to career services, I have spent the last eight years focused on experiential learning – internships, externships, and cooperative education opportunities. My internship at Washington State University’s Career Services set me on the path of working in career and professional development.

What are the key aspects of your role at Northeastern? What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Co-op preparation and coordination for students as well as employer outreach are the key aspects of my position at Northeastern. Working with students to prepare for co-ops and eventually employment is the most rewarding aspect of my job. Furthermore, my position at Northeastern is the natural progression of my own career path: career services to externship and internship coordination, as well as most recently, cooperative education.

What’s the most compelling thing to you about the work that goes on at CCIS?

Northeastern University’s cooperative education model is the most compelling aspect to me. I truly enjoy working with students to prepare them for a career path and giving them those opportunities while they are still in school.

Where did you grow up or spend your most defining years?

I was born in Chicago, but grew up in the Philippines. I always valued the two distinct cultures that influenced my upbringing. The discrepancies between US culture and Philippine culture taught me that each was important. In fact, both cultures taught me the richness of diversity that can be found in language, skin color, cultural beliefs, geographic location, and political ideologies.

Where did you study? Any reason in particular why you opted for those particular schools?

I was always the person to whom friends looked for counsel and advice in high school. Entering psychology seemed like the right major going into college. I went to Gonzaga University and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. As my education progressed, I found my fascination in career development and eventually pursued counseling psychology to further that passion. Washington State University is where I decided that my career would focus on helping others with their career pursuits.