Internship

What is Internship?
How is it like to be an Intern for UCRVSA?

What am I going to get out of interning for UCRVSA?

VWell to answer your questions, here are some past interns below willing to share their story as an intern with you!

"Hello my name is Hai, I was an intern my second year. The slogan "come as friend and stay as family" is true to it's meaning. But being an intern gives you the chance to see how much work, thought, and effort the VSA staff puts into this club. I would strongly advise those with even the slightest interest of becoming a staff member to join because it will help you grow as a leader and give you a stronger idea of what VSA is really about"

–Hai Dao (Intern 12’-13’)

Greetings all!
My year as Intern Chair was the most interesting learning experience. That year our goal was to find dedicated members who could interact with memebers, help with events and learn the ins and outs the interworks of staff. My year we took on the largest number of interns and instituted a core team. With all these heloing hands we were able to have successful events and maintain an even larger VSA family. Im am proud to have harbored many of the staff members many of you see today. Im proud to have called them my interns and have the organization in their hands!

-Dominic Enriquez (C/O 2014 /Internship Chair 12'-13' /External Vice President 13'-14' / UVSA Hospitality Director 14'-15')

Being an intern my first year here at UCR was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. It let me continue to be the inner leader that I know that I am and let me grow as person while having a home away from home. I didn’t feel as if I was just an “intern”. I felt like I was family and part of staff. There was no border between being an intern and being a staff member because in everyone else’s eyes, you are a staff member. Being an intern and a part of the family got me really excited and ready to volunteer for anything and everything VSA related. It made me happy knowing that I could put a smile on someone’s face and making their day a bit better knowing that I helped them out in some way by being “behind the scenes” in the organization. Every staff member treated each other with respect and care. We were a family and I have many of my greatest memories in college from being an intern in VSA. I really appreciate the experiences I have had and truly value the lessons I’ve learned from being an intern.

–Katie Tran (Intern 12’-13’ / PR Chair 13’-14’)

At first, I remember being hesitant to join VSA let alone applying as an intern, but then I figured I would try it out because, well, I figured why not? Fast forward another 3 years, and I’m still here on staff for my final year. Choosing to be an intern has no doubt shaped my college career for the better, and I would strongly recommend anyone to apply even if they are just considering it.

–Alan Dao (Intern 11’-12’ / Community Service Chair 12’-13’ / VCN Director 14’-15’)

It was the year where I tested the waters -- to see how VSA worked behind the scenes. I was a member and a staff member. I saw things from different perspectives. A lot of people might have a misconception of being an "intern," running around and following people's orders. No, it's not. I was being treated like every other staff member. I was able to voice my opinion, helped planned events, and contributed to the success of or organization. It was a humbling experience and I definitely believe it was worth a shot. My intern year was the confirmation of my dedication to the organization and to the advance of being on executive board this year.

– Julie Huynh (Intern 13’-14’ / PR Chair 14’-15’)

Internship is what paved my entire college experience. I came to UCR as an extremely shy person. I sometimes got nervous talking to my mom (kidding). But I was never comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone. When I first joined VSA, I decided to sign up for internship as something to add to my resume to make it seem better. During the internship experience, I got to learn what it meant to lead. I always heard things like "come join our leadership workshop" or "want to learn how to be a leader?" I always thought that these phrases were extremely cheesy and meant nothing. My experience in the internship program was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I got to work side by side with VSA staff who taught me a lot of what and how a leader was suppose to be. From the program, I gained so many close friends from both staff and my fellow interns. I learned how to talk to people and not only that, I gained confidence in my ability. I went from a shy timid person to now a person on VSA staff leading people and sharing things that I have learned with incoming staff. The friends and memories I made from my internship is truly unforgettable.

–Larry Le (Intern 12’-13’ / Treasurer 14’-15’)

Interning for VSA was not something that was on my mind as I came in as a freshman. I pictured myself going to school and studying hard all the time. Going to VSA's events changed my view on things and when I heard about the intern program, I thought that I was my chance to become more involved in school and not just be a member VSA.It was a good experience and I'm glad I decided to do it. This program helped me grow in my skills of teamwork as well as grow as a person. I really enjoyed being an intern and I have learned so much from it.

–Audrey Mach (Intern 13’-14’ / IT Media Director 14’-15’)

Wow! These people are all so amazing! I love everyone single one of them, sometimes. I really hope that this inspires you to join Internship this year! It is a great experience as I was Intern once and I loved it. I have gained so much, as a leader and a person! I have so much passion for this club, I want my Interns to be an extension of myself, as I pour passion into my Interns and have them pour passion into the members. It will be work but at the end, it will be worth it!

Join TEAM DAI CA! #nopressure #whynot !!!

–(Jimmy Duong (Intern 12’-13’ / Treasurer 13’-14’ / Intern Chair 14’-15’)

P.S. If any previous Interns would like to join the testimonials, you are welcome to! Personally send me them and it will be posted and forever branded into UCRVSA!

If you have any more questions about Internship, do not hesistate to ask Vicky Doan, Intern Chair 2015-2016!