Mallika Keralavarma

Majors: Political Science (CLA), Economics (Daniels); Minor: Spanish 

Educational Restorative Justice Intern, Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA) 

1.) How did you learn about this internship opportunity? 

I learned about this opportunity through extensive research online.  I have a huge interest in immigration policy, education, human rights, and advocacy. Being from the Chicagoland area, I decided to narrow my search for summer internships to non-profit organizations in that area. This led me to discover Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA), learn about the work they do, and identify their internship opportunities. I then completed an application, interviewed, and received a position as a summer intern. 

2.) How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals?  How do you apply your Liberal Arts skills to your internship?  

My internship has really helped me build my interpersonal and communication skills. Working with students and adults of all different ages and backgrounds has allowed me to learn so much and grow as a person. The internship also refined my career goals and furthered my interest in working for a non-profit in the future. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue gave me the skills I needed to succeed in this internship. It equipped me with the ability to think creatively and listen attentively –both skills I used often in my time at FORA.

3.) What is a piece of advice you would give someone looking for an internship? 

One piece of advice I would give a fellow Political Science major looking for an internship is to think outside of the box. Many times we tend to gravitate towards policy-focused work with state representatives or senators, but there are so many opportunities out there! As Political Science majors we have many sought-after and transferable skills. I would recommend narrowing your search by the subfield of work you are most interested in!

4.) What specific responsibilities have you undertaken during your internship?

During my internship I was responsible for both educational and administrative work. The organization focuses on developing High-Impact Tutoring and individualized plans for each refugee student. I spent the first half of my day tutoring students from grades kindergarten to high school. We would go through their individualized tailored plan improving math and reading skills. The second half of the day, I would be in charge of overseeing research projects to be converted into articles, developing engaging activities for the students, and conducting outreach with nearby schools.

5.) In what ways has the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University supported your internship journey? How has your participating in our job-ready program specifically aided your professional development? 

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue has greatly supported my internship journey. The Job-Ready program specifically aided in my development by providing me with the resources needed for me to be able to commute to my internship every day.

6.) Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in this program that you find particularly noteworthy? 

One aspect of my experience that is particularly noteworthy was the trip to Six Flags that the organization took. Two years ago, the students made a lighthearted bet with the founders of FORA that if they were to collectively improve their standardized test scores, that they would get to go to Six Flags as a group. They won that bet over the summer and I was lucky enough as a tutor to be one of the volunteers on the trip! It was so incredible to bond with my fellow interns and see the kids’ hard work over the summer really pay off.