Interns contribute to IUSA

Students involved in the IU Student Association Freshman Internship Program have spent the semester working with executive and senior members of IUSA to learn the nuances of student government.

Program Coordinator Mohammad Issa said he and his co-coordinator Kristie Hsu received more than 100 applications for internship positions. From those applications, 20 students were selected.

“They were all top of the line,” he said.

Freshman Samantha Strong is working as an intern for IUSA President Jose Mitjavila. She said the experience thus far has not only introduced her to student government but also aided in her transition to college.

“(Jose) is also a neuroscience major and has helped me decipher the pre-med and neuroscience requirements,” she said. “IUSA has provided me with a great support system of mentors who share in my accomplishments and provide advice with my
stumbles.”

Strong’s responsibilities include working with Mitjavila on IUSA initiatives and attending committee meetings.
 
Strong said time management has become a must. Despite her busy schedule, she said she has enjoyed her work as an intern and plans to continue working with IUSA.

Recently, the interns began the second phase of their internship, which is an eight-week class focusing on the history of student governmen and the importance of leadership skills.

In a month they will begin to collaborate on group projects to develop and present an initiative they would like to see enacted on the IU
campus.

Co-Director of outreach Aparna Srinath said the project is aimed at giving students an idea of how IUSA develops and implements its initiatives.

“It gives them a better sense of how they could go about implementing an initiative on a campus-wide level,” she said.

Srinath said the students with the strongest initiative will have the opportunity to work with executive and senior members to bring that project to fruition.

Issa said the interns will also have the opportunity to participate in a resume workshop and to volunteer within the community at Hoosier Hills Food Bank before Thanksgiving.

Issa added that he has been impressed by this year’s interns and their enthusiasm about getting involved.

“I think it’s been going really well,” he said. “If these guys keep going ... IU campus is in good hands.”

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Holly Hays on Twitter
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