The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the opportunity to complete an internship to count towards fulfilling academic credit. Here are some CAS student experiences:
Jillian Smith
Major: Biology
Her Internship: Dentistry Shadow
How She Found Her Internship: She was referred to the position by a UP Alumni who is currently attending dental school.
Her Experience As A Student Intern: Through this internship experience there are numerous new skills and knowledge that Jillian acquired. She feels she could have learned a lot more if she would have shadowed other specialty offices that were in the same building as the office she interned at.
What Has This Experience Taught Her: About a year and a half ago Jillian had some reservations about whether or not she wanted to pursue an education in dentistry. This internship and work done through the summer with this company were definitely large factors that helped solidify her decision to become a dentist. One way that she has changed as a result of this experience is that she is not only interested in dentistry as a career but she has also become interested in the different research aspects pertaining to the field of dentistry.
Kim Turner
Major: Secondary Education & Spanish
Her Internship: Spanish Teaching Assistant
How She Found Her Internship: Through expressing interest in sitting in on classes in order to maintain her Spanish and observe effective and overall excellent professors to gain an insight for the field of teaching. Dr. Regan and Dr. Warshawsky not only let her sit in on classes, but helped her set up an internship where she was involved and taught parts of Spanish classes here at the University of Portland. Her responsibilities include designing lesson plans and activities and being involved in constant dialogue with the professors about teaching decisions and techniques.
Her Experience As A Student Intern: Kim’s biggest challenge was becoming comfortable transitioning into a teaching role while being surrounded by her peers. On the other hand, the internship has provided her with an accepting space where she could receive consistent feedback and encouragement, and have the constant support of the professors she worked with. The best part of the experience for her has been developing connections with the professors and students she has had the opportunity to work with during this experience.
What Has This Experience Taught Her: Although explaining concepts in Spanish at a university level was challenging for Kim, it cemented her understanding of the concepts that she taught and has given her invaluable experience for teaching Spanish at many different levels. She has also been able to build on her knowledge of teaching techniques and philosophy. After she graduates she will use the skills she has learned through completing this internship and use them as a language teacher
Kyle Corso
Major: Environmental Ethics and Policy
His Internship: Working in Congressman Blumenaur’s office
How He Found His Internship: Kyle found out about his internship through an email sent out to Environmental Studies students by Dr. Kolmes.
His Experience As A Student Intern: Kyle developed more professional skills during this internship. He also learned a great amount about the political landscape in Oregon. The only way he could have made this experience more valuable is by putting himself “out there” more and getting more involved with office meetings and such.
What Has This Experience Taught Him: Working in Congressman Blumenauer’s office has given Kyle the opportunity to learn about the different dynamics of politics, including relationships with constituents, co-workers, and the members of various organizations in both the Portland area and nationally. This internship has also influenced him to potentially pursue a career in politics.