Daniela Gutierrez '25

Major: Philosophy

EPI internship: WorldOregon

What were your summer internship responsibilities?

My team with WO was the International Visitor Leadership Program. My main responsibilities were updating and printing files, meeting with and interacting with visitors, and being responsive to anyone who needed help around the office. Projects I worked on were the Young Leaders of the Americas program, International Visitor Program, Iraqi Youth Leadership Exchange Program, and writing up various project proposals.

How did you find out about the Ethics and the Professions Internship program, and why did you apply?

I found out about the internship on Handshake, and I applied because I wanted a summer job in Portland, I wanted internship experience, and I really liked the flexibility and ethical focus on the program.

What did you learn?

I learned that especially in the nonprofit industry, there is always going to be a need for adaptability, focus and commitment. I got more familiar and comfortable with Microsoft apps on SharePoint. I learned that community needs to be a focus of the career I choose and that sometimes it takes a lot of effort to develop community.

What was your favorite moment as an intern?

My favorite part was working with the Iraqi youth. They were all such a joy to get to know and spend time with. I also enjoyed the Portland community connections they met with and I also got to get connected with indirectly through that program.

Why do you believe internships are important for undergraduate students?

I believe paid internships are important for undergraduate students because it gives them the ability to experience a more professional or corporate job while they are still studying. This gives them the knowledge to examine what works for them in a specific organization or field and allows them to reflect on their goals and needs for a future career instead of blindly going into a job straight out of college.

What tips do you have for students wanting an internship?

Go on Handshake. The job search is sometimes such a pain, but you'll get lucky on websites designed for students to get a job. Be open to opportunities but don't apply for a job you think you’ll hate. Ask friends, classmates, professors and other faculty if they know of any resources they can connect you with and don't be afraid to ask a professor you had one time for a letter of recommendation.

What other experiences have made your time at UP unique?

One of my favorite experiences at UP was going on a Moreau Center Immersion. I went to Detroit and Chicago to learn about Community Organizing and Resistance, and I was so fortunate to get to meet amazing groups and organizations that do the work I want to someday. It’s something I've never heard about a university doing so I think that is pretty cool.

How did the internship influence how you will approach your plans after graduation?

I am still figuring out what I want to do after graduation, but this internship has definitely exposed me to more opportunities and connections that I wouldn’t have otherwise been aware of, so I have a more narrow lens of future career pursuits.

How did the conversations about ethics during your internship influence how you will approach your plans after graduation?

I think the ethics conversations during my internship have given me helpful tips on how to navigate a career search and even how to analyze organizational culture. After graduation, I will hopefully have a career opportunity or even grad school, and I am more comfortable with my ability to make a decision with what I choose for my future.