Jada Edison

Major: Sociology

Legal Advocate Intern, YWCA Greater Lafayette

1.) How did you learn about this internship opportunity? 

I learned about this internship opportunity during my sociology field practicum course this past Spring semester. My field practicum also took place at YWCA Greater Lafayette, and I was offered an unpaid summer internship by YWCA Greater Lafayette’s Legal Advocate.

2.) How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals?  

My internship has helped build my skills by allowing me to work on my confidence and interpersonal skills. I answer phone calls and talk with clients every day at my internship about sensitive and personal issues. I have learned the right things to say and how to keep our conversations productive and moving forward. I have also learned how to talk to people who are in crisis and that has afforded me valuable skills that will be put to good use in the social services field, which I have confirmed is the field I want to work in.

3.) How do you apply your Liberal Arts skills to your internship?  

I apply my Liberal Arts skills to my internship in a few key ways. I have used my writing and discussion skills extensively in how I communicate with clients. Oftentimes, I have to type up a report of a client’s story and it helps that I have had a lot of practice writing in the Liberal Arts courses that I have taken. Additionally, my knowledge of society and culture, more specifically social issues affecting certain populations, like women and children, and specific cultural context has been beneficial during my internship.

4.) What is a piece of advice you would give someone looking for an internship?   

A piece of advice that I would give to someone in my major looking for an internship is to do a lot of research and consult the Liberal Arts Career Center!