PACE Student Association sponsors internship, career discussion

Some 20 students and alumni gathered in the Georgian Room of the Indiana Memorial Union for a crash course in finding internships and pursuing fulfilling careers on Monday.

In its second year on campus the Political and Civic Engagement Student Association sponsored “It’s Your Call: Finding Internships, Careers & Your Role in Public Life” specifically for students in the PACE certification program and other students interested in internship and career advice.

The event opened with Maurer School of Law Career Development Director Caroline Dowd-Higgins, who spoke on the importance of enjoying internships and eventual careers.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people in my career that are unsatisfied, and I believe life is too short for that,” Dowd-Higgins said.

She stressed following your passions.

“Don’t go to law school unless you know why you want to go to law school,” Dowd-Higgins said.

After finding out life as a travelling opera performer wasn’t what she thought it would be, Dowd-Higgins said she worried about her transferable skills.

“Whatever academic path you choose, it doesn’t lock you in. In a broad sense, what you’re learning is applicable in any career,” Dowd-Higgins said.

She advised PACE participants — and all students — to figure out what makes them “tick,” specifically through identifying their values, such as security, and interests, such as writing and entrepreneurship, she said.

“Honor your VIPs: values, interests and personality,” Dowd-Higgins said.

For those struggling to find their “VIPS,” Dowd-Higgins suggested asking close friends for advice. 

If that isn’t fruitful or if there is still uncertainty, she described internships as an opportunity to discover VIPs.
“An internship allows you to test-drive, to try on the shoes before you buy them,” Dowd-Higgins said.

The PACE Student Association is a group meant to support students pursuing the PACE certificate, an optional 25-credit-hour program for those majoring in civic service-related fields.

After Dowd-Higgins spoke, a panel of student peers and recent IU alumni offered their own insights, experiences and tips in internship employment.

“Our goal is to blend knowledge in classroom knowledge and internship knowledge for democratic citizenship,” PACE Director Michael Grossberg said.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to get involved in civic organization,” said junior Novella Shuck, the secretary for the PACE student association and public management major.

The PACE Student Association will be holding a callout meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 in Woodburn Hall 109.