The Little Prince of Co-ops: Sam Taverna’s Experiential Learning Voyage
’25, Bachelor of Science, Information Technology and Undergraduate Student Commencement Speaker Understudy
This year, Sam Taverna graduates from Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. His path to this achievement, however, has been anything but traditional. Through determination, strategic decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to experiential learning, Sam has built a remarkable portfolio of hands-on work experiences that highlight the immense value of cooperative education programs.
A Self-Made Pathway to Success
Originally enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Sam discovered his passion for software engineering after securing a Co-Op at Chick-fil-A’s Digital Transformation & Technology Department in Atlanta. However, lacking formal training in the field, he took the initiative to enroll in a semester’s worth of online courses with a focus on Computer Science and Software Engineering concepts in 2022, gaining the foundational knowledge needed to apply in the Software Engineering co-ops. This proactive approach set the tone for his journey into the world of experiential learning.
Recognizing that transferring into the Computer Science program at Lowell would have delayed his graduation significantly, Sam made the strategic decision to transfer to Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies, where he could continue his education while actively pursuing his Co-Op opportunities and gaining hands-on experience in the digital space. Unlike many students who rely on their institutions to place them into Co-Op programs, Sam took the initiative to secure opportunities independently, demonstrating persistence by applying to nearly 100 internships per week at one point.
From Nuclear Reactors to Software Engineering
Sam’s first hands-on experience came as a freshman, when he worked at Lantheus Medical Imaging in North Billerica, MA, operating a cyclotron, a particle accelerator used to produce medical isotopes for PET scans and other diagnostic procedures. His role required him to operate five different accelerators at once, manage radiation levels, collaborate with chemists, and adhere to strict safety protocols. While he found the technical challenge exciting, he realized that he craved a more team-oriented work environment. “I realized that I’m more of an extrovert than I thought. I love working and meeting with people, but I felt that role didn’t offer much of that aspect,” he recalls.
Chick-fil-A: The Launchpad to Tech
Determined to transition into the Software Engineering field, Sam secured a Co-Op with Chick-fil-A’s Digital Transformation & Technology Department, where he worked on web applications and AWS automation systems. The program was structured as an 18-week experience: six weeks of intensive technology bootcamp training, followed by two six-week project rotations. This structure provided him with not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of professional work environments.
Beyond the technical training, Chick-fil-A’s work culture left a lasting impact on Sam. “Their office culture was just as great as their customer service in restaurants. And the free food didn’t hurt either!” he jokes. Most importantly, he learned the power of networking through a challenge requiring interns to complete a dozen coffee chats by the end of the semester. This lesson in relationship-building would later shape his approach to professional growth.
Delta Air Lines: Taking Off in His Career
Following his time at Chick-fil-A, Sam landed a coveted Co-Op position with Delta Air Lines in September of 2023, where he continues to work today. Rotating through different teams each semester, he first worked on the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, refining the automated voice experience that customers encounter when calling Delta. Next, he joined the Resource Planning team within the Reservations Department, optimizing call center operations and the workforce management software that they used. He is currently finishing up his last semester this spring on the Learning Strategy team, where he is identifying and measuring the key tasks and skills needed to perform in each line of business.
His experience at Chick-fil-A inspired him to improve Delta’s co-op program. Within a month, he proposed and implemented a structured networking initiative, encouraging interns to engage in coffee chats and participate in group activities to enhance professional connections. “A lot of people think networking is like the concept of speed dating, you win some, you lose some. But being genuine and intentional about it makes all the difference,” he explains.
One of the biggest perks of his co-op at Delta? Free flights, a benefit he extends to his family and close companions. Sam traveled to six continents in six months during his tenure, along with many countries and cities.
A Life of Hard Work and Community Involvement
Sam’s work ethic was forged early. At just 13 years old, he worked as a busboy and dishwasher at Barefoot Bob’s, a restaurant featured on an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. He later worked as a bartender and bouncer at Paragon Boardwalk, a beloved community staple in Hull, MA. Staying true to his roots in his small hometown of Hull, he has spent the past three years helping the town’s IT department during school breaks, assisting with a variety of technical issues for the local school system and municipal offices under IT Director Judi Saide and Assistant IT Director George Whelan. During his younger work life, he attended Hull Public Schools, where he served as a three-sport varsity captain in football, ice hockey, and baseball. His experiences in Hull shaped his outlook on the importance of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability.
Family and community remain central to Sam’s life. He comes from a tight-knit Italian-Irish family with deep roots in Hull. His father, a manufacturing engineering graduate from Lowell, now works in construction and serves as a selectman in Hull. His mother, a public health nurse for the Town of Cohasset, has dedicated her career to serving her community. He has two older sisters, Hannah and Hillary, and one older brother, Rocky, along with their childhood dog, Chesney. Sam is also an active member of the St. Joseph Society, an Italian-American organization, where he volunteers every year for their feast celebration, this year being the 100th.
“I love to help people. I’ve been in situations where I felt helpless, and I want to be able to change that for others.”
The Future: Delta, Then Law School
Looking ahead, Sam will be returning to Delta in a full-time role after graduation. However, his ambitions extend beyond the tech industry. By age 27, he plans to pursue law school. His desire to help others stems from personal experiences where he wished he had the knowledge and resources to make a difference. “I love to help people. I’ve been in situations where I felt helpless, and I want to be able to change that for others,” he says.
As he prepares to graduate, Sam Taverna stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic decision-making, and experiential learning. His journey exemplifies the immense value of Co-Op experiences, not just as career steppingstones, but as transformative experiences that shape professional and personal growth. With a future as bright as his ambition, Sam is well on his way to making a lasting impact—both in technology and beyond.
