Humanities Internship Spotlight
Lily Child | Sadi Msafiri | James Donohue |
Jennifer Escudero | Kathleen M Williams
Humanities students gain valuable, career-ready skills through their coursework and co-curricular programs. Internships offer an essential opportunity to apply these skills in real-world settings, explore potential career paths, and gain professional experience. For many students, completing an internship is a key step in successfully transitioning from college to the workplace.
My internship with K-UTE Radio has been exceptional because it allows me to apply academic theories of culture, identity, and representation in a live, student-backed environment. As a concert photographer, I document alternative music spaces and analyze how identity is performed and negotiated through music, fashion, movement, and audience interaction. This work functions as a form of cultural documentation and visual ethnography, transforming live performances into research sites where youth culture, subcultural belonging, and power dynamics become visible. Photographing these spaces has deepened my understanding of how cultural meaning is produced collectively, rather than through text alone, and how I can share this lesson visually.
This experience has provided a learning opportunity that complements my coursework in International and Area Studies in ways the classroom could not. While my classes emphasize theory, history, and textual analysis, K-UTE requires sustained observation and real-time visual storytelling. I am learning how to document communities responsibly, while considering consent, representation, and positionality. These are skills essential to ethnographic and cross-cultural research. I am also developing media analysis skills by interpreting how images circulate and shape narratives about culture and identity.
“I was drawn to my internship with KUTE Radio because it combines culture, media,
and community, which are key areas within my Global Communication and International
Studies focus. Concert photography allowed me to document how identity and belonging
are performed in live music spaces, turning cultural expression into a form of visual
ethnography. The experience aligns with my long-term goal of working in international
research and media, particularly in documenting music and artistic expression as tools
for resistance and community in the Middle East.”
Professionally, this internship clarifies my future career path in international research, media, and cultural documentation. Music and performance are powerful forms of expression across Middle Eastern societies and diasporas, often serving as tools for resistance, memory, and community formation. My photography practice prepares me to document these dynamics across cultural contexts and to use visual media as a research and advocacy tool. This experience strengthened my confidence in pursuing work that bridges global cultural analysis, ethical storytelling, and community-centered research.
Sadi Msafiri
Major(s): International and Area Studies
Internship: Utah Health Policy Project
Role: Health Access Assister
During my internship, I worked on AmeriCorps’ Most Vulnerable Populations AmeriCorps Service/Internship Positions project. AmeriCorps is a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors, engaging adults in public service work, with a goal to help others and meet critical needs in the community.
This project is managed by Salt Lake County and partners with different community organizations to help bridge gaps and reduce barriers for a variety of vulnerable populations.
I served as a Health Access Assister with the Utah Health Policy Project/Take Care Utah Organization. My role was to support underserved communities by improving access to health insurance. I provided personalized assistance with applications for Medicaid, CHIP, or Marketplace plans, educated clients on insurance literacy, and helped maintain coverage through renewals. This work was impactful for my student experience because it allowed me to apply academic knowledge from my International Studies coursework, particularly in areas such as public policy, inequality, social systems, and community-based service.
“I was drawn to this internship because it allowed me to work directly with vulnerable communities while addressing real policy issues related to healthcare access. It aligned with my professional goal of pursuing a career in public policy and international development, where I hope to reduce systemic inequalities and improve access to essential services.”
This internship clarified my long-term career goals. As an International Studies major with an interest in public policy and social equity, I aspire to work in international development, public administration, or social services. This experience reinforced my desire to address systemic inequalities and expand access to essential services, whether domestically or globally. It showed me how policy, community engagement, and advocacy intersect in meaningful ways. Through direct client interaction, I developed the ability to advocate effectively on behalf of consumers, ensuring their best interests were represented.
One challenge I faced during my internship was navigating the complexity of health insurance applications while assisting clients who were often confused, stressed, or facing language barriers. Many individuals did not fully understand eligibility requirements or renewal deadlines, which sometimes created urgency and frustration. To overcome this, I developed stronger communication and problem-solving skills by breaking down technical information into simple, clear explanations and patiently guiding clients step by step through the process. I also learned to stay calm under pressure, manage my time efficiently, and seek support from supervisors when necessary. This experience strengthened my confidence and improved my ability to serve diverse communities effectively.
My internship experience was both professionally and personally transformative. It bridged the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, allowing me to see how public policy, social equity, and community engagement intersect in practice. Working with vulnerable populations strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in public policy and international development, where I hope to continue addressing systemic inequalities and expanding access to essential services. This internship not only enhanced my academic journey but also clarified my long-term career goals in public service and social impact work.
James Donohue
Major(s): Writing and Rhetoric Studies
Internship: Courier Newsroom: Granite Post
Role: Granite Post Correspondent
In my internship at the Granite Post, I researched and created sports video content. This internship aligned with my career goals because I’m hoping to get into the film/TV industry, specifically screenwriting. In this role, I wrote scripts for my videos, which came naturally because I really enjoy sports.
I learned a lot about contracts and sending invoices, which aren't the most glamorous skills, but they're necessary. I'm glad I could learn practices like these that will help me down the line. Furthermore, because I'm a freelance contractor, I'm learning about the strange tax differences between an employee and a contractor.
I got to bring fresh eyes to the Granite Post through my sports videos, drawing in an audience that normally wouldn't see anything from Granite Post in any other setting. Almost every video I created was one I made from the ground up; I rarely got suggestions on videos from my supervisors (although it did happen). If I came across an opportunity for a video outside the scope of the typical sports community, I'd pass it along to others in the company so that those ideas didn’t go to waste (and maybe I could make someone's job a bit easier by pointing them towards a neat story).
My work is mostly solo, but I always made a point to ask my peers & supervisors in the company if they thought I should change anything. The perspective of other people was a huge asset. It can be so easy to be complacent and to settle into the "I know what I'm doing" mindset.
I had very little social media experience before this job, and now I feel much more confident working in that space. I have a better grasp on what makes people click on a video, and with every video I make, I gain a better understanding of what makes people not click on a video.
A challenge I faced during my internship dealt with Canva (contractually mandated editing software). Once, there was an error on Canva's end that prevented me from editing a timeline; I was only able to view the work without the ability to change a thing. Usually, a Google search and some troubleshooting would resolve my Canva problems, but this time was different, and I had to log out and wait several hours for Canva to right itself. That was stressful as I was on a deadline, but sometimes when it comes to tech, it's out of your control. Luckily, I was still able to finish the video on time, but it taught me not to beat myself up over these issues.
One neat experience I had was working during the NBA playoffs. I got to write and talk about my favorite team, the Boston Celtics. An experience like that didn’t feel like work; it felt like I was recording a conversation I'd have with my friends. I enjoyed reading the comments to see what other Celtics fans had to say as well.
There were times when I’d want to include personal opinions on topics, but I learned that that wouldn’t be professional. As much as I'd like to comment on certain aspects of sports, there's only so much I can say while remaining in the realm of New England sports. It stinks, but they pay me for my opinions on local sports, not to hear what I have to say about certain GMs or whatnot.
My advice to anyone searching for an internship would be not to give up. You must keep applying in this hard job market, and don't be afraid to try new opportunities. I worked at an irrigation company and a store before I got this job, and both gave me interesting new perspectives that helped me understand the consumer of my videos.
Jennifer Escudero
Major(s): Ethnic Studies
Internship: West Valley City Victim Services
Role: Victim Advocate
My Internship at the Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic is where my journey in victim advocacy started. I would shadow attorneys and sit in on meetings. This made me feel unfulfilled in my role as someone who wants to be actively involved. I eventually started working more closely with their advocates and realized I enjoyed it, along with the impact. I wanted to continue even after I stopped being their intern, but I could not find anywhere to get my foot in the door.
I reached out to my local victim services in West Valley City, where I met with the victim services coordinator, who welcomed me as an intern. This experience shed light on the fact that the Criminal Justice System is not set up for victims and often fails them, leaving them overwhelmed as they navigate its complexities. Many come seeking answers or solutions, and while there is never a clear direction or simple path, it is crucial for them to feel supported during this time.
Throughout my time in this role, I have had numerous learning opportunities that have deepened my understanding of the diverse fields within the criminal justice system. I learned to navigate conversations with various individuals, helping where I could, like relieving heavy caseloads that often require visits to different courthouses. Each case is unique, just as each victim is distinct, which requires different approaches to ensure they feel heard and safe in their own way. I often found myself confused as I started navigating this specific side of the criminal justice process, but I was able to embrace it and ask for help when I needed it.
Most of my challenges are internal; I become anxious or self-conscious and feel like it’s something I should know or like I am not doing a good job. This can affect me negatively because, as I project it, I begin to reflect it. I have to remind myself that I cannot get in my head and that I should not hold back due to these challenges, because then I will not reach my full potential, and that is only unfair to me.
There is nothing but ethical decision-making and professionalism in this field, and I think it all comes down to my morality. There were many things I heard that I did not appreciate, especially when it came to federal agents detaining people at their hearings. There were some decisions from judges I did not like, or even charges I feel should have been filed but were not. It is hard being on the receiving end of delivering the news to people, or sometimes even feeling useless when there is nothing more I can do to help.
As a Latina who lives in WVC, I know the large Latino community that resides in WVC, and I felt a strong desire to create a safe space for individuals to express themselves. There is no better feeling than having a first interaction with someone fearful, traumatized, and lost in the process, and seeing their face light up when they realize they can communicate with me in their language, and I will understand and listen to them. While I sometimes felt frustrated by the limitations of my role, recognizing I do not have the power of a prosecutor or a judge, it helped me focus on what I was able to help with, even if it was simply providing resources. Despite the occasional disappointment with decisions made within the system, I remained committed to delivering support and compassion to those I help.
The advice I would give to students interested in an internship is that you are going to be lost and confused a lot, but do not be afraid to ask for help. You are not going to know everything, but that is the point: to learn and grow as you continue.
Kathleen M. Williams
Major(s): Middle East Studies
Internship: International Rescue Committee
Role: Extended Case Management Intern
I was drawn to this internship after my experience volunteering with the IRC. I wanted the chance to explore casework and to have the opportunity to use my Arabic language skills in a meaningful way.
As an intern, I look for ways to help different teams at the IRC, such as education, housing, health, and casework. Sometimes that includes going to meetings and making phone calls, but other times it looks like recruiting volunteers for a project or supporting clients through processes like applying for benefits, etc.
The IRC serves a diverse group of clients from many different backgrounds and cultures as they support clients on their paths to self-sufficiency. My experiences studying Arabic abroad prepared me well with cultural understanding, but working here has increased my capacity to understand different aspects of cultures and integrate that knowledge into how we provide care.
I would recommend the U Service Corps program through the Hinckley Institute. This program made it possible for me to complete this internship through its funding opportunities.
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Any views, experiences, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this student internship highlight do not necessarily represent those of the College of Humanities.