Chemical Engineering student stuck in Quality internships — how do I break into Process Engineering?

Hi everyone, I’m a Chemical Engineering student in Ecuador. So far, my internship experience has been mostly in Quality, but my real interest is Process Engineering (process design, optimization, simulations, continuous improvement). I’ve been trying to pivot toward Process by building technical skills on my own: AutoCAD Plant, industrial piping, programming. Despite this, I’m still not getting interviews for process-focused internships or junior roles. Most applications redirect me back to Quality, and I’m concerned about getting boxed in early. I’d appreciate advice from people in industry: What actually makes a candidate attractive for entry-level Process Engineering? Are personal projects / simulations worth more than certifications? As a student how can I get involved in projects? Is moving from Quality → Process realistic later, or should I force the transition now? Any specific tools, software, or strategies that helped you break in?