Internship Reflections

2024 interns reflect on their Institute experience

December 31, 2024 | Thank you to all our 2024 interns who have shared their time and energy with New Americans and the International Institute of Minnesota! Read on for a glimpse into the internship experience of some of our participants. If you’re interested in learning about future internship opportunities at the Institute, click here.

Kate McGlinch

Fall 2024 intern

“I chose to do pursue an internship with the International Institute of Minnesota because, as a recent college graduate, I wanted to prototype in different fields in order to figure out what path I would feel the most satisfaction in following based on hands-on experiences. My work with the Institute certainly did this, but I was pleasantly surprised in how my supervisors and co-workers invested in me as an intern. The effort I put into my work with citizenship applications rewarded me tenfold with opportunities to learn, to try challenging things, and to develop greatly as someone early in their career. My favorite part of this work was the direct service aspect. Once I was comfortable with it, I was able to take my own clients and walk them through an incredibly important step in their lives. I learned so much on both practical and personal levels, gaining a familiarity with the systems of immigration and social programs, but also expanding my perspective on the world. I am certain that what I have learned with the Institute will stick with me throughout my professional career. I am grateful for the support and encouragement that this organization has shown me.”

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Hank Hellstrom

Summer 2024 intern, pursuing a Master of Human Rights degree at the University of Minnesota

“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to do capacity-building work with the Immigration Services team. My year at the International Institute of Minnesota helped me to change my career trajectory. I think that through AmeriCorps VISTA and the Institute, I was able to do more interesting and impactful work than I would have done regularly as an entry-level professional. I gained valuable experience with the U.S. immigration process and with working in nonprofit systems. I found the Institute staff to be very welcoming, as well as inspiring in their hard work and dedication to supporting New Americans.”

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Cole Conklin

Fall 2024 intern

“A highlight was clients telling me they appreciate for the work we do for them. It’s always a good reorientation and reminder of why I am here and what purpose we serve. It’s a great feeling to know that I am truly making a positive impact, even if the impact appears to be small. During this internship I have learned to communicate more directly, with more certainty, and with a little less awkwardness. I feel much more capable speaking with clients, supervisors, and co-workers, and I know this will only improve the more I go. My experience at the International Institute of Minnesota will certainly influence my future career goals. During this last semester, I have learned a tremendous amount on the process for applying for citizenship, and the following semester I hope to deepen my understanding on this. I have also learned that I would like to delve more into the legal/policy side of immigration. I envision myself having a strong impact in these regards as well.”

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Jesse Lentz

Summer 2024 intern

“This past year, I served with AmeriCorps at the International Institute of Minnesota. As a Legal Resources Navigator, I supported refugees and New Americans by filling out applications for work permits, green cards, and citizenship and connecting them to other services as needed. AmeriCorps service built upon my prior education and experience. Growing up in the multicultural city of Minneapolis, I have always been curious about world languages, cultures and politics. These passions motivated me to choose International Studies as my major in college and learn French. After graduating in the midst of the pandemic and losing our house to wildfires in Oregon, I returned to my original home of Minneapolis. It took me a long time to rebuild my sense of direction. I worked in an Afghan restaurant and then as a camp counselor before coming to the International Institute of Minnesota. The year had challenges and growth. The immigration system is byzantine. A lot of the work is detailed and tedious filling of forms. But the knowledge that you are making a real impact in somebody’s life is motivating.”