Aesha Mahmoud, 2021
Class of 2022 (Graduated Fall 2021)
Major: Political Science
Concentration: Global Politics
Position: Housing Element Intern Summer 2021
- How did you find your internship?
I had a great experience exploring the organization and its affiliates that work alongside each other to serve the Long Beach community. Specifically, I was able to learn more about the housing crisis, experiences of tenants navigating legal challenges, and strategies to organize and advocate for policy changes that I have been taking with me as I further my education in graduate school.
- What was a typical day like at your internship?
I was typically working on research for the Long Beach Housing Element Update, a component of the city’s general plan. I used my research to create materials for a community presentation. I also created social media content to promote the movement and raise awareness among Long Beach residents on the proposed changes. I had frequent meetings with other teams at the organization as well as community leaders that were involved with the Housing Element.
- How did being a Political Science Major prepare you for this position?
I had previously done research and written a paper on homelessness in California as part of my final project for POSC 326: Comparative California Politics a year prior to this internship. Utilizing skills and experience I have gained throughout my coursework as a political science major helped me gain access to the position and be more confident in leading a project for the organization.
- What would you consider to be a highlight of your internship?
I worked independently for most of the duration of the internship on a presentation aimed for community members to educate them on the housing element update and bring awareness to the nuances of the housing crisis. I was able to create this presentation through collaborating with different teams at LiBRE and other community organizations, and I really saw it as the culmination of my time at the organization. On the last day of my internship, I led the community presentation and livestreamed it to Facebook. I view that experience as the highlight of my internship.
- What piece of advice would you give to POSC students looking for internships?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors. There is a huge misconception that you need to already have connections with industry professionals to get an internship. This pushes many deserving students away from these opportunities. Often, your professors and faculty members in your department can be an extremely valuable resource to connect you with internships.
- If you could give POSC students one suggestion for how to make the most of an internship experience, what would it be?
My suggestion would be to plan out as much as you can prior to your internship. As part of your preparation, outline all the goals you want to achieve by the end of your internship and adjust them as you see fit throughout your time there. That will help you build the connections you want and learn about all the different avenues your organization is involved in in the short time you spend there.