Amelia Romero served as a Student Ambassador for the College of Humanities, developing her leadership skills and expanding her skills in interpersonal communication and public speaking.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose to be a Student Ambassador for the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona because I wanted to actively contribute to my college community while also gaining valuable skills and experiences for my future career. As a student interested in the humanities, I saw this internship as an opportunity to not only promote the values and benefits of studying the humanities, but also to interact with prospective students who shared my interests. I wanted to be a part of the process that helps incoming students discover their academic interests and navigate their college journey successfully.
I saw this internship as an opportunity to improve my professional skills in a supportive and dynamic setting. Furthermore, I was drawn to the mentorship aspect of the role because it allowed me to guide and support younger students, developing a sense of leadership and empathy. I developed my networking skills through building relationships with other students and mentoring younger peers, which benefits both their personal and academic development, as well as the overall sense of community at the college.
What is unique about your situation that influenced your internship selection or experience?
For students who are passionate about the Humanities, this internship combines personal interests with academic study, allowing them to explore related career paths while making meaningful contributions to the college community. The supervision and mentorship provided throughout the internship provide unique guidance and support, assisting students in navigating challenges, capitalizing on opportunities, and maximizing learning and growth. In essence, the combination of these factors makes internship selection and experience unique and enriching for students pursuing careers in the humanities.
What skills did you practice or develop in this internship?
My internship provided me with valuable experience in various aspects of my career. I developed my communication skills by interacting with various audiences, including prospective students, families, current students, faculty, and staff. I learned how to adapt my communication style to different situations, improving my ability to connect with others. I also improved my interpersonal skills by mentoring younger students and conversing with peers and colleagues. This experience cultivated empathy, understanding, and support among the university community, increasing my cultural awareness.
As a Student Ambassador, I developed leadership skills by organizing events, collaborating with team members, and representing the College of Humanities professionally. This experience taught me the value of collaboration, adaptability, and sound decision-making in achieving shared objectives. Participating in activities like student administrative days and ambassador meetings improved my organization and event coordination skills, gaining hands-on experience in logistics planning and presentation coordination. Overall, this internship provided me with valuable knowledge and transferable skills that will be beneficial in my future career.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you for the internship experience?
The PAH 383: Pre-Internship: Building Career Readiness course played a pivotal role in preparing me for this internship. This course covered a range of topics such as networking strategies, elevator pitches, developing online professional profiles such as LinkedIn and Handshake, resume reviews, and interview preparation.
What was your favorite or most satisfying part of your internship?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship as a Student Ambassador was the chance to interact with prospective students and their families at events such as the Wildcat Snapshot College Fair and Student Administrative Day. These events allowed me to interact directly with people who were interested in joining our college community. It was extremely rewarding to be able to share my enthusiasm for the humanities, discuss the advantages of majoring in the humanities, and provide advice and guidance to new students.
One particularly memorable moment occurred during Student Administrative Day when I met two girls interested in the Applied Humanities with an emphasis in Fashion Studies. They wanted to learn more about the humanities program and get recommendations on which classes to take. Being able to provide them with insights and recommendations based on my own experiences was rewarding because I could see how my advice influenced their decision-making process. Overall, being able to assist prospective students in navigating their academic journeys and witnessing their enthusiasm for joining the College of Humanities was deeply meaningful to me. It reinforced my sense of purpose as a Student Ambassador and reminded me of the value of mentoring and guidance in shaping other people's academic experiences.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for their internship?
I believe it's crucial for students to stay open-minded. Consider exploring internships that might not initially seem like a perfect fit. Surprisingly, these opportunities can offer unique experiences, help you develop new skills, and contribute significantly to your personal and professional growth.