Author: Lia Addisu

Read about Nataly’s LEI experience in this blog post.

Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Political Science and Business Administration
Minor: Legal Studies & Economics w/concentration in Marketing
Year: Junior
Internship: Coordinator of Community Engagement, UO Athletics

What was your internship title and organization, and what were your responsibilities?

I was an intern for the University of Oregon Athletic Program. Through this internship, I was the (first-ever) Sports Administration intern for the universities’ athletic program! My role throughout this internship was to enhance the department’s climate and culture. Through this internship, I had the opportunity to oversee the operations of BEOREGON which is our call for action for all ducks to be their most authentic selves. With this, we strive to provide a voice and support action for inclusivity and connecting everyone!

What attracted you to the LEI program?

As I entered my junior year, I sought opportunities to expand my network and gain real-world experience through internships and mentorships to advance my future career. While exploring the offerings at the University of Oregon, I was particularly drawn to the LEI program. This program is designed to provide underrepresented students with access to crucial professional development resources. My chosen career path already lacks significant female representation, and as a Hispanic individual, I face additional challenges due to even greater underrepresentation. Participating in this program not only seemed like the ideal opportunity to grow professionally but also to help challenge and change these statistics.

How did your internship relate to your professional/academic/personal goals and/or values?

Applying for the role with UO Athletics was a step outside of my comfort zone. I had the option to choose between two internship opportunities: one that aligned more closely with my career path and this UO Athletics position. After consulting with my future mentor, I realized that the UO Athletics internship was the right choice for my personal and professional growth. This internship allowed me to develop in numerous ways. I gained valuable experience in public speaking, Microsoft Excel, and organizing and participating in large events for UO Athletics. Embracing this challenge proved to be immensely rewarding. This experience taught me that passion for your work leads to success. Stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new has not only benefited my professional career but also contributed to my personal growth.

What expectations/assumptions did you have about the experience that was different/proven wrong?

Upon assuming this role, I initially expected to assist my supervisor and mentor with their daily tasks. However, this assumption was quickly proven incorrect. During my internship, I had the opportunity to oversee a BEOREGON initiative. This experience allowed me to engage with numerous student-athletes and gain valuable insights into their lives.

Also, I was able to focus on the culture and climate within the UO Athletics department and on the student-athletes’ perspectives. This comprehensive approach provided a deeper understanding of the work environment and the unique challenges faced by student-athletes.

How has this internship set you up for success? What knowledge and skills did you learn that you can use in the future/other jobs?

This internship has afforded me numerous opportunities, skills, and valuable lessons that will contribute to my success. It has enabled me to develop my academic abilities and self-confidence. I learned that by putting forth my best effort and believing in my work, there is no need for self-doubt; the quality of the work will speak for itself. This experience will undoubtedly benefit me in the future, both in my professional endeavors and when I take on the role of a mentor.

What potential career paths has the internship opened your mind to? Has your internship influenced your future goals/direction and if so, how? 

I have always aspired to be an attorney, but as I entered my junior year, I began to question whether this was still my goal. During my internship, I initially struggled to connect my aspirations with the work I was doing. However, after many discussions with my mentor, Da’mon Merkerson, he encouraged me to think outside the box and not follow the conventional path simply because it was available.

Together, we explored various ways to continue my journey in law, specifically through the realm of sports. Midway through my internship, I realized that corporate law no longer interested me. With this internship opportunity and my mentor, I decided that I want to pursue a career in sports law, where I will represent athletes and teams in contract negotiations and other legal matters.

What advice would you give to students interested in the LEI program? What should they know before applying? 

My advice to anyone interested in applying for the LEI program is to fully commit to the experience. The more effort you invest, the more you will gain. Throughout this internship, we had cohort meetings that were always enjoyable and engaging, filled with laughter and camaraderie. Through this program, I not only found colleagues but also made lasting friendships.

Before applying for this internship, understand that the work you will be doing has a purpose. You will be contributing to your own personal growth and making a meaningful impact in your chosen field.

Did participating in the LEI program impacted your experience at UO? If so, how? 

My internship at Autzen Stadium provided me with exclusive access to areas and experiences typically reserved for student-athletes. This opportunity broadened my perspective and enriched my overall experience at the University of Oregon. The unique insights gained from this internship have given me a distinctive viewpoint when discussing my time at the university.

Get an exclusive look into Nataly’s Internship as she gives a tour of the facility from her internship.

Read about Sam’s LEI experience in this blog post.

Name: Sam Wiesner (she/her)
Major:  Global Studies and Planning, Public Policy, and Management
Minor: Arabic
Year: Sophomore
Internship: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern, Willamalane Park and Recreation District

What was your internship title and organization, and what were your responsibilities?

I served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern at Willamalane Parks and Recreation in Springfield. I worked online four days a week and in person one day. I had varying responsibilities throughout the internship, but I did a lot of researching best practices in DEI, coordinating events for the community, and designing DEI trainings. Every day I would check in with my boss, find out what the priorities were for the day, and then have independent work time.

What attracted you to the LEI program?

I was really excited about the opportunity to have an internship while also connecting with other people going through the same experience. This was my first internship, so I really appreciated discussing my experience with other interns. I also was attracted by the professional development opportunities. Through the LEI Cohort, I learned about LinkedIn and networking, leadership, and financial wellness (to name a few of the many workshops we did). This opportunity to learn from different professionals around campus was a very unique opportunity exclusive to the DEI program.

What was the project/campaign you led or contributed to that you are most proud of?

I designed DEI training for Willamalane’s summer camp staff. With the help of my supervisor, I created a slideshow presentation about implicit bias, allyship, and inclusion services within Willamalane. I also came up with multiple different interactive training activities, such as deciding what situations are urgent versus important and acting out potential scenarios. In the last week of my internship, I hosted a training run-through with the camp supervisors to get feedback and figure out training timing. Overall, the training was really successful and I got the chance to be creative in an independent project.

What did you like about working with your supervisor(s) and colleagues?

I absolutely adore my supervisors. Dr. Kris Wright is the DEI Supervisor at Willamalane and was my direct supervisor for my internship. She has become a great mentor to me, teaching me how to navigate an office workspace, how to build professional relationships, and how to have fun at work. She is thoughtful, encouraging, and brilliant. I could not have asked for a better supervisor. Ruth Huang is the supervisor of the LEI Cohort, leading our meetings each week, having one-on-one meetings with each of us, and coordinating all of our professional development. Ruth is the friendliest and most understanding person I have ever met. She is a compassionate leader and puts so much care into the LEI program and each of the cohort members. I also really enjoyed connecting with other Willamalane employees and learning about their jobs, as well as meeting each week with my cohort peers.

How has this internship set you up for success? What knowledge and skills did you learn that you can use in the future/other jobs?

This internship has taught me important leadership, communication, programming, and networking skills that I will carry with me to all my future positions. In addition, it gave me a strong idea of what type of workplace culture I should be looking for and showed me what working in an office setting is like. I connected with many career professionals who gave me ideas about what type of work I would like to do in the future and what potential paths are to get there. I even had the invaluable experience of reading over applications for an open DEI position within Willamalane, which gave me a good perspective of what hiring processes look like and how I can be a strong applicant.

What potential career paths has the internship opened your mind to? Has your internship influenced your future goals/direction and if so, how? 

Previously, I was set on working with large-scale government organizations doing international relations work. While I am still interested in that, this internship made me realize that local government organizations (such as parks and rec) have a huge impact on their communities and are a great option for where to work. I saw firsthand the direct impact that was being made on community members, and I enjoyed meeting and serving a diverse group of people. I had an informational interview with the Legislative Affairs person at Willamalane, which opened my eyes to the potential of doing policy work within a specific organization, rather than for the US government. In the future, I will expand my search when it comes time to find my career.

What advice would you give to students interested in the LEI program? What should they know before applying? 

Apply! You never know what learning experience you will have. Originally, I didn’t even apply for the DEI Intern position, but when Ruth recommended it to me I decided I should at least interview. It ended up being one of the most positive experiences of my college career thus far. Go into the program open-minded with the goal of learning as much as you can from as many different people as you can. Before you apply, look at your schedule and make sure you have the capacity for the time commitment. This internship has been a huge part of my schedule, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Has participating in the LEI program impacted/impact your experience at UO? If so, how? 

The LEI program has been an extremely positive experience for me at UO. Not only do I now have internship experience to put on my resume, but I also have learned about so many different programs and resources at Oregon. I met students and staff that I would have never met otherwise, and have learned about different student organizations on campus, campus resources, and future opportunities to get involved with. I have no doubt that the connections I have made through this program will be extremely valuable to me in future academic and career pursuits.

What do you like to do outside of your classes and internship? What are you passionate
about?

In addition to my internship, I also work on campus as a Student Ambassador and a Resident Assistant. I am also involved with Jewish life on campus. I also love music and practice playing guitar in my free time. I am passionate about international development and human rights, and I am also passionate about my study of Arabic. I love to spend time with my friends exploring campus and going on off-campus excursions on the weekend.

Read about Reyna’s LEI experience in this blog post.

Name: Reyna Blakeman (they/she)
Major:  Global Studies and Romance Languages
Year: Junior
Internship: Employee Resource Center Intern, City of Eugene

What was your internship title and organization, and what were your responsibilities?

I was an intern at the Employee Resource Center at City of Eugene, which gave me valuable
experiences in Human Resources for local government. My internship primarily focused on
Classification and Compensation with occasional work in Recruitment. I was responsible for reviewing and correcting different job classifications based on a review metric that surrounds pay equity and work of comparable character. I also researched the classification specifications of different cities/counties and compared them to those of City of Eugene. Finally, I researched best recruitment practices for Information Technology and Public Works positions in the public sector.

What attracted you to the LEI program?

Being a first-generation student, internship and mentorship opportunities were not readily available to me. The fact that the LEI program is made to help underrepresented students gain exposure to both of these activities throughout their internship experience strongly resonated with me. Knowing that I would be surrounded by a cohort of other underrepresented students who may have similar experiences felt like it would be a safe and encouraging environment for professional growth. This felt like the perfect environment and opportunity for my first internship experience.

What did you like most about the program? What have you found to be most valuable?

I love how the LEI program combines the internship experience with weekly cohort meetings that involve all the interns participating in the program. LEI interns work with various organizations for their internship experience, and each intern’s different experiences throughout the program enriched our cohort meetings. Learning various career skills during the cohort meetings while having this close-knit community added even more value to the LEI internship experience

What did you like about working with your supervisor(s) and colleagues?

When I first arrived at the Employee Resource Center and met my supervisor and colleagues, I felt welcomed and supported by everyone. At first, I was nervous because I had never had an internship before and I was not sure what to expect, but I quickly settled into my role and began to connect with my coworkers. The supportive nature I experienced while working at City of Eugene has shown me what a healthy workplace culture looks like. Furthermore, City of Eugene implements Employee Resource Groups surrounding underrepresented workers, which allowed me to connect to other multicultural employees in a safe and supportive environment. My supervisor was extremely supportive throughout the process and helped me connect with others through informational interviews and answered any questions I had.

How has this internship set you up for success? What knowledge and skills did you learn that you can use in the future/other jobs?

This internship experience has catapulted me to success. I have always been interested in government work, and working with City of Eugene has given me valuable knowledge, and government experience will further my career. I have gained valuable experience with research, analysis, reclassification, pay equity, and work of comparable character. Having this experience, I now feel confident applying to different Classification and Compensation or Recruitment positions in the public sector knowing I have the skills and experience to succeed in these positions

What potential career paths has the internship opened your mind to? Has your internship influenced your future goals/direction and if so, how? 

During my internship experience, I discovered a passion for Human Resources, specifically surrounding Classification and Compensation. I am hoping to continue centering my work around this field. The analysis and detail-oriented nature of reviewing classifications was a perfect fit for me, as I consider myself a very detail-oriented and organized individual. Additionally, working towards the goal of pay-equity is extremely fulfilling. I have always wanted my career to have an important purpose that helps others, and doing so through pay equity had never occurred to me until this internship experience.

What advice would you give to students interested in the LEI program? What should they know before applying? 

Do not be afraid to apply if you do not have previous internship experience! This was my first internship, and I was unsure about whether my application would be considered due to my lack of experience. What we don’t realize is that we have so many different valuable experiences and skills obtained through participating in clubs, part-time jobs, volunteer work, relevant coursework, working to help out family, research papers, academic papers written for class and so much more! I would advise you to visit the University of Oregon Career Center before applying to incorporate all of these experiences on a resume with the guidance of a career counselor. I guarantee that you will be impressed with the amount of experience on your resume that you never realized you had!

Has participating in the LEI program impacted/impact your experience at UO? If so, how? 

This program has been the highlight of my experience at UO. Not only have I gained valuable professional experience, but I have connected with the other interns in the cohort meetings and gained valuable friendships. Additionally, I learned more about the various resources that UO offers throughout the workshops, and now know what resources I can use on campus to help support my educational and professional journey. I am so grateful to have had such a supportive space for both professional and person growth, and am so happy I made the choice to apply to the LEI program.

Read about Lauren’s LEI experience in this blog post.

Name: Lauren Kwasny (she/they)
Major:  Communication Disorders and Sciences
Minor: Spanish and Psychology
Year: Junior
Internship: Outreach & Communications Intern, Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah

What was your internship title and organization, and what were your responsibilities?

My internship title was the Communications and Outreach Intern for Friends of Buford Park and Mt. Pisgah. My responsibilities were to collect photos from different events and work parties, create graphic designs, draft descriptions for posts, and assist in volunteer and membership outreach. Projects included promotions for Nursery work parties, the Spring Native Plant Sale, and a Trail Profiles social media post series. 

What attracted you to the LEI program?

What attracted me most to this program is that it is through the Division of Equity and Inclusion which meant having an opportunity tailored to people of diverse backgrounds. I was attracted to the fact it was a leadership enrichment-focused internship which meant I could better a skill that is beneficial to me in my personal and professional life. Being in a cohort program meant getting to know people who were in the other internship opportunities and hearing about their experiences. This made connecting that much easier in our weekly meetings. 

What did you like most about the program? What have you found to be most valuable?

What I value most about this program is how individualized it is to have it be an experience that is tailored to you and your goals. During my application process, I went back and forth about which intern site was best for me it was reassuring that the internship coordinator could refer you to a different site that they felt would benefit you more. Going to an information session was also helpful to hear from a past intern about her experience with the LEI program and ask any specific questions. 

What were the cohort meetings and workshops like? What did you enjoy/dislike? 

The cohort meetings and workshops were bonding experiences with my cohort members, and resources for leadership development. I enjoy how discussions and activities allowed us to get to know each other better and acknowledge our strengths. I truly enjoyed the bonding we did as a group which resulted in an environment and group that supported each other in and outside the cohort meetings. I got to befriend a group of genuinely kind, intelligent, and hardworking individuals that are now proudly in my network. 

How has this internship set you up for success? What knowledge and skills did you learn that you can use in the future/other jobs?

My internship experience has set me up for greater success in my composure and the organization within a workplace. My communication with the public has improved, which will be helpful in my future in options such as opening a private practice, working in a school system, or doing in-home visits. I have learned how to better cooperate and communicate with coworkers, especially in utilizing my sources of information. I feel I have gained insight into what it means to be valued and respected in a workplace which is crucial knowledge when identifying a work culture that truly benefits you. 

What potential career paths has the internship opened your mind to? Has your internship influenced your future goals/direction and if so, how? 

My career goals have remained the same in speech pathology. I do have a greater understanding of how to navigate communicating to the public and with coworkers which is beneficial to cultivate a good work environment. I gained further skills in graphic design which benefited my previous interests. My communication skills electronically and in-person with the public have improved through exposure and independent work done on projects. 

What advice would you give to students interested in the LEI program? What should they know before applying? 

In applying for this program, it is important to know what internship sites and positions are available and how those align with your goals. Even if an internship doesn’t align exactly with your major, there are still skills that can be gained regardless of the position you are applying for. Something I really appreciated about the program is that it is tailored to you so you can mold the program to fit your goals in the position. The program coordinator, Ruth, is an amazing person so I encourage students to go to an information session to get a chance to hear more about the program and ask any questions. 

Has participating in the LEI program impacted/impact your experience at UO? If so, how? 

Being a part of this program has provided me with opportunities to connect with individuals who are both different and similar to myself. By attending meetings and workshops together we were able to learn more about our leadership capabilities and gained valuable professional skills. The workshops and meeting together as a cohort group meant learning about others in my cohort and building unexpected connections. This is beneficial both professionally and personally since I valued all members of the cohort and felt we did well to support each other. 

 
What did you like to do outside of your classes and internship? What are you passionate about? 

I enjoy rock climbing and getting outside when it’s nice out. On a rainy day, I enjoy watching Studio Ghibli movies. I am passionate about early education and providing a nurturing environment for children to grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively in their language development. I recently accepted a job at the Eugene Science Center as a Summer Educator for their summer camp which I am very eager to start! 

Read about Gio’s LEI experience in this blog post.

Name: Gio Betancourt (they/them)
Major: Art and Technology
Minor: Psychology
Year: Junior
Internship: Museum Education Program Assistant, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

What was your internship title and organization, and what were your responsibilities?

My internship organization was at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) on-campus
at the University of Oregon. My title working at this location was a Museum Education Program Assistant where I have joined the Education Department. Within my role, I was responsible primarily for conducting an internship experience for high school students from scratch. This internship was titled the “World of Work Program”, which is an annual internship available at the JSMA during the Spring.

What attracted you to the LEI program?

I was definitely attracted to the ability to gain experience in the art industry. It is
something I did not have prior to this LEI experience, so I was eager to apply for the internship position available at the JSMA when the time came. In addition, given my background being an Art and Technology major, I wanted to be able to experience what it is like to work in the art work-force, not just learn the artistic methodologies.

How did your internship relate to your professional/academic/personal goals and/or
values?

My internship relates to my goals in many ways. As a career long-term, I am determined
to work in the art industry in one way or another. Art has always been something I have always been passionate about, so for me to have the ability to see what it would be like to work in a museum setting, I am more than grateful. Further, as I discussed prior, I am an Art and Technology major who is keen to gain as much artistic experience outside of the classroom setting as possible. This opportunity became the perfect fit.

What were the cohort meetings and workshops like? What did you enjoy/dislike? 

The cohort meetings and workshops that the LEI experience provided me not only with
making new connections with my peers at the University of Oregon, but it also opened up
opportunities to further prepare my professional development skills, financial wellness, and
mental wellness. Something I truly enjoyed was getting to hear panels from faculty and staff at the University of Oregon that came from different underrepresented identities, as well as the LACE dinner with the company of Dr. Yvette Alex-Assensoh.

How has this internship set you up for success? What knowledge and skills did you learn that you can use in the future/other jobs?

From this position I was able to become proficient in outreach communication and
coordination skills when reaching out to schools, teachers, special guest speakers, and guest artists for the World of Work Program. In addition, I feel more confident about leading and teaching groups of people for future references that I may need this ability for in the future. I have truly learned an immense amount of skills from this opportunity on top of these things including interviewing, professional communication, selecting applicants, and becoming more familiar with how a museum is run by all the different departments that collectively work together to create an immersive experience for all.

What potential career paths have the internship opened your mind to? Has your internship influenced your future goals/direction and if so, how?

This specific internship opened my mind to potentially working not only in an art setting,
but also in educational settings as well. The first opportunity I had to work with children was at a tabling event at Dos Rios Elementary School, where I was able to provide students and their families with more information about what the JSMA provides for the Eugene community. It was then from this moment that having the ability to interact with youth made a long-lasting impression on me and my happiness.

What advice would you give to students interested in the LEI program? What should they know before applying? 

I would advise students interested to truly research what each internship that is available
for this LEI experience is about, and choose the one that appeals to them the most, or is most directly aligned with their future career goals. I would also inform them this experience is something that I will remember the rest of my life, as the amount of impact it has had on my professional development. It has helped me immensely in figuring out what I would like to do as a career long-term in the future.

Has participating in the LEI program impacted/impact your experience at UO? If so, how? 

The LEI program has definitely impacted my experience at UO. First of all, I have met so
many amazing people in my cohort that have blossomed into amazing long-term friendships that I hope to continue post-internship. In addition, I have become more familiarized with all of the different resources that the UO offers that I learned about through the workshops conducted for the LEI interns every week. Finally, I have a better sense of what a community can look like, even with people from different identities and fields of study.

Read about Seberiana’s LEI experience in this blog post.

Name: Seberiana Lopez (she/her)
Major: Art and Technology
Minor: Art History and Entrepreneurship
Year: Senior
Internship: Museum Education Program Assistant, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

What was your internship title and organization, and what were your responsibilities?

I am a Museum Education Program Assistant for the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. Some of the responsibilities of this internship position included working with K-12 individuals to review their work to be presented in the museum’s annual exhibition of children’s artwork. A main project I have worked on throughout this internship experience has been developing the World of Works internship program for high school students. In this program, I helped connect with schools and local artists to bring them to the program. Students who participate in this internship experience build the skills to communicate identity expression and learn the skills of working in a museum.  

What attracted you to the LEI program?

A reason I wanted to be part of the LEI program was to be able to better develop my professional skills as an underrepresented student. I was inspired by the program’s motivation to grant internship opportunities to students who have experienced inaccessibility otherwise. As a Mexican American, Chicana, I felt empowered by the program’s eagerness to bridge the gap of opportunities and make seeing yourself in a professional setting possible.  

What was the project/campaign you led or contributed to that you are most proud of? 
How did your internship relate to your professional/academic/personal goals and/or values?

The opportunity I had with my internship to structure a program design for underrepresented high schools has been one of my greatest accomplishments. As someone who is passionate about creating opportunities for those who face challenges due to their identity, I was glad I had the opportunity to experience what building out a program looks like. This has further inspired my aspiration as an artist who wants to build opportunities for other underrepresented identities. It has shown me the possibilities there are and how important it is to continuously build opportunities like this for the youth.  

What were the cohort meetings and workshops like? What did you enjoy/dislike? 

With the opportunity to engage in cohort meetings, I have appreciated the chance to learn from new perspectives and to interact with my peers on impactful discussions about identity. I have learned so much from my fellow interns and I am forever grateful for the encouragement I have received from this community to pursue enticing career opportunities. Over the course of the internship experience, we have learned from each other in ways that allowed us to have serious discussions outside of a classroom setting, and I was always appreciative of how vulnerable we could be with each other.  

How has this internship set you up for success? What knowledge and skills did you learn that you can use in the future/other jobs?

This internship has set me up for success by providing me with the resources and skills that have developed by ability to work in professional sectors. I have learned valuable skills in program development, outreach, and communication. Since being able to learn these skills, I have been able to further develop my work experience by pursuing more challenging roles to take on new roles of responsibilities. With these new skills learned I can apply them to the programs and opportunities I want to create for other underrepresented backgrounds in the future by being proud of the presence I hold in a professional workspace. 

What potential career paths have the internship opened your mind to? Has your internship influenced your future goals/direction and if so, how?

Since having the opportunity to work at a museum, in correlation to the class I have taken as an Art History minor it has opened my mind to the work opportunities in museum careers. I have begun speaking and engaging with professional museum staff and art history professors to learn more about their experiences and the types of paths they have taken to be in the career positions they are in today. The internship has reshaped the outlook I have for career opportunities in creative industries, and I am excited to explore them.  

What advice would you give to students interested in the LEI program? What should they know before applying? 

The advice I would give to students who are interested in applying would be to absolutely go for it. As a student of color, I understand the fear and uncertainty a lot of students have because of not feeling as though you do not see yourself being represented in professional settings. From my experience in this program, I have moved past the fear of taking up space and embrace the challenging opportunities that come my way. Also having the experience to be in a cohort with other underrepresented students has helped me feel seen and has built a stronger connection to campus and students around UO. 

Has participating in the LEI program impacted/impact your experience at UO? If so, how? 

The LEI internship has impacted me a lot as a student as it has given me the opportunity to be a leader in my community. Throughout my internship experience, I have actively been sharing my experience with my fellow peers, presenting it as a great opportunity for them as underrepresented students. It is an experience I will cherish and continue to share as someone on the Student Leadership Team because it is important to share the opportunities you have experienced to actively see underrepresented students prosper.  

 
What did you like to do outside of your classes and internship? What are you passionate about? 

Passions of mine have always included being an advocate for underrepresented backgrounds and my identity. As an Art and Technology major, I have enjoyed being able to present my identity and culture to share my community with others. I want to build a space with my art that tells the story that all identities deserve to have a presence in a world that tries to block them out.