Career Development through non-profit refugee work
Quinlyn
Experience Information
Employer: West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center
Job Title: Research and Development/Administrative Intern
Major: Political Science
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center exists to aid refugees in the process of integration to the U.S. The focus is largely with education, and the organization works to communicate with the schools on behalf of the parents and vise versa. It offers many programs, including after school tutoring and parent engagement informational sessions. From school enrollment to transportation and translation, the center does its best to serve the needs of refugees in the greater Grand Rapids community.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My internship was a blend of research and development and administration. I spent the first half of my internship mainly focusing on the research. I would research specific countries and create country profile presentations that would explain the conflict in that country, and how the refugee situation was created. I also spend time doing extensive research on the process of becoming a refugee and the policy surrounding that. The latter half of my internship has focused more on parent engagement curriculum development and converting files over to a new format.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Doing extensive research about countries and conflicts in those countries has given me a better understanding of current events and how those events directly affect the lives of the refugees here in the U.S. I also know so much more about the process, and have been able to develop skills for effective communication with people from a vast variety of different backgrounds.
Favorite Part of the Experience
This experience allowed me to get hooked into a large community in Grand Rapids that many don't know about: the refugee community. I have always loved traveling and meeting new people and cultures, and now I have connections to a community full of new people and cultures right here in Grand Rapids!
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This is my first internship in the non-profit sector, and it opened my eyes to the jobs and positions available in organizations like the WMECC. I had never spent a lot of time researching job opportunities in the non-profit field, but I now realize how much my education and skills would be complemented by a position working for a non-profit that does work with the international community.