I really enjoyed having a supervisor who I could work with throughout the day and ask any questions that came up for a specific project. It was also really great to interact with clients and personally connect with them. Everyone at the office was incredibly welcoming and helpful.
What I wish was different
I wish I had had more time at the office, but I was unfortunately remote for the majority of the internship due to Covid restrictions.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask coworkers or your supervisor questions outside of the general work protocol: ask about career/academic advice; they might have connections that could help you in the future.
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External Relations Strategy Intern
July - August 2023 • New York City, NY
What I liked
Wonderful office community.
What I wish was different
More involvement with the Policy team.
Advice
Stay organized and express interest in projects that relate to your career path!
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Digital access and literacy intern
July - December 2020 • Sacramento, CA
What I liked
Enjoyed having one on one interactions with clients. Also had incredible supervisors.
What I wish was different
Most of my work was done independently, which was productive, though I wish I had been able to work on a team.
Advice
Learned about how refugee resettlement works in the US and how to work within the scope of a grant.
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Immigration intern
May - July 2020 • Charlottesville, VA
What I liked
Jumped right in, given a wide variety of tasks, learned a lot of about the citizenship application process
What I wish was different
A little more guidance/connection with other interns, although understandably that was difficult because of COVID. But at times it seemed unorganized, which could be stressful
Advice
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Resource Development Intern
May - July 2020 • Charlottesville, VA
What I liked
I liked working directly with IRC clients and using my French language skills to communicate with them.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Case Management Intern
June - August 2020 • Baltimore, MD
What I liked
Working at the IRC was an awesome experience. I learned so much, got to work first-hand with refugees, and had a great time too.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have had an in-person experience.
Advice
Stay open-minded!
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Resource Development Intern
May - August 2020 • Charlottesville, VA
What I liked
I liked the opportunities to work with refugees and the volunteers of the IRC, and to see in the inner-workings of how a non-profit operates
What I wish was different
I wish I had the opportunity to work at the location itself, as we were restricted to remote because of COVID-19
Advice
I would say keep an open mind and display immense amounts of cultural sensitivity. It also puts you into perspective about the journey of a refugee. and the hardships they occur to reach this country.
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housing intern
May - August 2020 • Elizabeth, NJ
What I liked
I got to make a difference and help refugees find and apply to housing! Was very rewarding to talk to these people.
What I wish was different
Lack of communication, was sort of on my own- this is likely mostly because I was remote.
Advice
Do this in person if you want to connect with workers! Hard to do from home.
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Intern
June - August 2020 • San Diego, CA
What I liked
My supervisor was very understanding and kind; the work was very fulfilling
What I wish was different
It was great!
Advice
It is a great internship that allows you to work directly with refugees.
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Volunteer
January - May 2021 • Elizabeth, NJ
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Use everything as a learning lesson! You can learn how to work across language and cultural barriers from any interaction. And patience is always in practice!
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Financial intern
May - September 2021 • Turlock, CA
What I liked
I liked working directly with the clients and closely with the supervisors. I loved giving financial literacy classes because it felt like I was making a difference.
What I wish was different
Advice
One advice I would share about this experience is to go for it even if it is out of your comfort zone.
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Research Intern
September - December 2020 • New York City, NY
What I liked
I absolutely loved everything about this internship. The office I worked for was very welcoming, adaptable, helpful and made sure I was comfortable in my internship - especially given that it was remote.
What I wish was different
The only thing I wish would have been different is that if it was in person as opposed to it being virtual. Nonetheless, it was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Advice
Being adaptable, open to change and to learning more about the inner workings of public policy and humanitarian aid.
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Income Tax Preparer
January 2023 • New York City, NY
What I liked
professional company, the intructor is very friendly and kind
What I wish was different
Know this job sooner
Advice
Not much cause I'm on going with this position but I'm still satisfy with this job.
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Teacher Assistant
July - August 2021 • Elizabeth, NJ
What I liked
Was able to create a relationship with incoming students to assist in teaching ASL.
What I wish was different
Bad communication with the staff.
Advice
Show up on time, be excitable, the kids will love you.
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Immigration Intern
June - August 2021 • Oakland, CA
What I liked
It was amazing to get hands on experience working on a field I’m interesting in pursuing. The best part was knowing that every day we were making a difference in someone’s life.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Administrative Assistant Intern
June - November 2018 • Sacramento, CA
What I liked
Helping new immigrants to settle their life.
What I wish was different
more proactive.
Advice
Keep work hard and help others the reward will come back to you.
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Immigration Intern
May 2021 • Elizabeth, NJ
What I liked
What I enjoyed most from my experience is seeing and hearing the gratitude of clients who we provided legal services to. The endless times we heard 'thank you' or were met with appreciation and gratitude was extremely fulfilling. Especially since a vast majority of the clients we worked with were low-income individuals or individuals in need of social and government services, knowing I was a part of their journey in attaining their initial footing in the United States really showed I was very privileged to embark on the work I was doing.
What I wish was different
My favorite days of the work week were office days but because the pandemic still had recently forced many operation to go remote, most days I worked from home. That was the only aspect I wish was different. Had it all been office days, I think the experience would have been more enjoyable. Obviously remote work was crucial in keeping IRC members and clients safe and healthy, but I loved the fast-paced, hands-on environment of a law office and working personally with an immigration lawyer and a DOJ accredited legal representative.
Advice
Do not be afraid or nervous to communicate and interact with people from places of the world you may have never come across before. Whether it be Arabic speakers or Swahili speakers, you will be exposed to languages and cultures you may not be used to. But no matter where people are from, they will always be cooperative and thankful for your services as long as you give them the time and assistance they deserve as a client.
