Student internship experiences

By serving as an intern for LAS 100, 101, 102, 122, or a peer mentor in the Lisnek LAS Hub, students can develop skills in the areas of leadership, collaboration and social responsibility. 

A few students answered some questions about their time as LAS 100 and 101 interns. Learn how you can apply to LAS internship opportunities. 

Matthew Crimmins

MCB

What did you do as an LAS 101 intern?
I served in many dynamic roles as a mentor, facilitator, leader, and peer supporter to 25+ freshmen. No matter your aspirations after UIUC, being an LAS intern will improve your organizational, public speaking, and management skills, which are critical for any profession.

What was the favorite part of your internship?
The bonds with my students. The memories with them will last with me way beyond my years at UIUC. As an intern, you have an opportunity to make a positive impact on many students during a tough transition within their personal and academic lives: the first couple weeks of college.

What have you learned as an intern?
I have refined my leadership, public speaking, and professionalism skills, while improving softer attributes such as empathy, compassion, and active listening. The internship prepares you for your future career and helps you connect with people personally.

Any advice for future interns?
Always appreciate and value the connections with your students. There is no more rewarding feeling than helping guide others through a vulnerable or tough transition and seeing them succeed. This is that makes the LAS 101 internship special.

Robert Walker Jr.

Communication

What did you do as an LAS 101 intern?
I facilitated a weekly section of LAS 101 with 28 diverse first-year undergraduate students, providing various campus resources and sharing personal experiences and insights on professional and leadership development.

What was the favorite part of your internship?
My favorite part was the impact I had on students. Seeing them apply the skills and knowledge learned to their own personal and professional goals, while driving for success, in return, motivated me.

What have you learned as an intern?
I have grown into a more efficient leader and sharpened my time management and presentation skills. I think the best part is knowing that you are not alone. I’m grateful to have been fully supported by the First Year Experience administration and the cohort of other interns.

Any advice for future interns?
If this opportunity interests you, go for it. You are guaranteed to walk away with more knowledge and refined skills that will be transferable to any career trajectory. I am so glad I decided to move forward with the role!

Ruichen Gao

Economics

What did you do as an LAS 100 intern? 
As an intern, I facilitated weekly class discussions, helped students with their group projects, and graded biweekly discussion forums in LAS 100.

What have you learned as an intern?
I have learned so much as an intern. The experience has taught me to respect every culture in the world and not to easily judge others with biased information.

What was the favorite part of your internship?
My favorite part of the internship was the ability to get to know different students’ experiences. We shared a lot of thoughts, and I got to know about their daily lives and their perspectives.