Unpaid Internship Grant

Thanks to the generosity of an alumnus, one Carlson student who is pursuing an unpaid internship is awarded  a $6,500 grant for their internship.

Questions about this opportunity can be directed to Mai Xiong at xiong968@umn.edu.

Looking for internship opportunities? Schedule with a coach!

What did receiving this grant mean to you?

Receiving this grant was a transformative moment for me. I have always been passionate about addressing systemic issues and advocating for DEI and innovation, but I found that many internship programs available to my demographic weren’t looking for interns who had those interests. Coming from a low-income family, this grant allowed me to prioritize my professional growth over immediate financial needs. It freed me to seek a summer experience that not only fulfilled my interests but also contributed to my overall career development. When I found out about this grant opportunity, I felt like I could finally think beyond my financial restrictions and look for a summer experience that would prioritize my professional experience. When I received this grant I was more than happy. I was grateful that I got this opportunity and I was ecstatic that I got the best of all worlds in one experience.

Why did you choose this internship?

I chose my internship because I truly value education. My education here at the University of Minnesota is a massive privilege, and I know that not everyone has the resources to participate in the opportunities that I have been able to. This is why I was inspired to return to my hometown and support my community through the public K-12 education system. 

Recognizing the disparities in access to educational opportunities, I wanted to be a catalyst for positive change. Rather than signing up for a conventional internship, I wanted to challenge myself to try and make this opportunity work by leveraging my connections with school district administrators from my high school student board experience.  After doing some pitches and having some meetings, I got the opportunity to intern for the school district as a District Curriculum and Strategy Intern. 

Educational systems in America have grown so much over the past several decades, but there is so much more room to grow and improve, and I want to be a change-maker in that movement. 

What was the highlight of your internship?

The highlight of my internship was the influence I was able to make. I got to advance, career exploration, awareness, and experiential learning resources for students, and in the process, I was able to meet so many people and stakeholders including students, community professionals, educational advocates, and district administrators.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to spearhead the development of two district-wide academic mentorship programs. These programs, focusing on the business industry and public policy/government, provided students with the ability to learn through various methods including independent study, career exploration, and project development. Overall, It was an extremely fulfilling experience that showcased the potential for positive change in education systems, and I am excited to continue this journey through other avenues in the future.

How has your Carlson School experience prepared you for this internship?

My Carlson School experience not only contributed to my success during the internship but also played a pivotal role in securing the opportunity. I utilized skills that I gained from courses such as Design Your Career, where I learned how to effectively pitch myself, and used a plethora of tips given to me by my amazing instructor Shontel Smith. Serving as Vice President of DEI on The Carlson Business Board last year also gave me so much experience that came in handy when I was working on multi-stakeholder projects of various lengths and difficulty over the summer.

What drives your interest/passion in your area of study?

My interest and passion stem from a deep commitment to helping, advocating for, and serving the underserved. I am dedicated to improving educational systems. By actively working towards bettering these systems, I aim to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.