Internship Reflections 2025

Spring 2025 intern reflects on her Institute experience

May 28, 2025 | Thank you to all our interns who have shared their time and energy so far this year with New Americans and the International Institute of Minnesota! Read on for a glimpse into the internship experience of one of our participants. If you’re interested in learning about future internship opportunities at the Institute, click here.

Maddy Larsen

Spring 2025 intern, Refugee & Immigration Services

What is a highlight of your time at the Institute?

I think the highlight of my time at the International Institute of Minnesota was getting to work with many different parts of the naturalization process. I had opportunities to do one-on-one appointments with clients as well as attend webinars for USCIS. Many of the things I learned while at the Institute are things I wouldn’t have been able to learn anywhere else.

What did you learn that will stick with you?

I learned something new every day during my time at the Institute, but I think that learning how to be able to quickly change and redirect plans efficiently is what will stick with me the most.

How do you think your experience as an Institute intern will impact you and your future career goals?

The Institute has impacted me and my future career goals by helping me understand how many people it takes and how much teamwork is required to be able to best help our clients. I am looking to work in more non-profit and/or team settings in the future.