In order to encourage students to apply for 2019-2020 Center for Leadership Learning internships, several current interns took time to share some perspective about their own experience.

Brandon Vernoy - Peer Leader Intern (SLDP)

Brandon is a second year undergraduate student from Dixon, California studying Biological Psychology. His passion is in learning, and he aspires to become a doctor. As one of the Peer Leader Interns for the Student Leadership Development Program (SLDP), he serves as a coach to students enrolled in SLDP and develops, coordinates, and implements a variety of educational and social activities exclusively designed for the students in the cohorts.

What were you expecting from this internship at first, and how has your experience been?

• “I had no idea what to expect going into this internship. It was a spur-of-the moment thing, something that I said yes to on a whim. I knew that it would be a unique experience: one that I’d face discomfort in but also personal growth. Seven months into this internship, I can confidently say that I have grown as a person. This does not exactly feel like a job or an internship as much as it feels like an opportunity for personal growth and to help others grow as well. Some days can be challenging, but the environment at the CLL is unlike any other that I have experienced. Challenges are welcome and not met with frustration.”

Have you learned anything from this internship? If so, what did you learn?

• “This internship certainly gives you the opportunity to learn new skills and improve on already existing ones. One of the best skills that I learned from this internship, especially as a peer leader, was becoming a more efficient public speaker.”

What would you tell someone who is considering applying to be a CLL intern?

• “If you are considering whether or not to apply to be an intern, I say go for it. The opportunity to grow yourself personally and help others grow is unlike any other. This internship is unique in Davis, and there are little to no others that resemble it. Take the chance, and challenge yourself!”
   

Lauren Cabantac - Peer Educator Intern

Lauren is a fourth year undergraduate student from Chula Vista, California pursuing a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. She enjoys exploring new cities, and when she does, she has to check out the local thrift shops; she says, “you can find some pretty cool things that may not be found anywhere else!” As one of the Peer Educator Interns, her job is to facilitate CLL’s quarterly Leadership Essentials Workshop Series (LEWS) and to develop and deliver peer-to-peer educational workshops for the undergraduate community.

What were you expecting from this internship at first, and how has your experience been?

• I never imagined how this position would connect me to different people on-campus. Developing on-demand workshops for different campus departments/student organizations and holding the LEWS workshops, I meet countless students and feel a sense of purpose and responsibility knowing that the work we do impacts the lives of so many students at UC Davis.”

Have you learned anything from this internship? If so, what did you learn?

• “I am a Peer Educator intern, so I initially expected to just teach workshops on leadership. I did not expect that I would learn about program development and be a part of the course content creation. Working at CLL has really developed my own passion for teaching others and applying lesson material to fit individual needs.”

What would you tell someone who is considering applying to be a CLL intern?

• “Do it! This is my second year as a CLL intern and my last year at UC Davis. Each year, CLL is enhanced by new ideas that interns bring to the table with their unique set of experiences. I am thankful for my time at the Center for Leadership Learning and am excited to see what you will all do in the future!”

 

Divine Otico - Programs and Events Coordinator Intern

What were you expecting from this internship at first, and how has your experience been?

• “I was four-hundred miles away at my local community college when I found CLL’s internship position on Aggie Job Link. I was excited to transfer to UC Davis, and eagerly emailed Christie Navarro, our Director, about the opportunity. I started my internship before I even started taking classes at Davis, and was ecstatic to meet Chancellor Gary May on my first day! I immediately sent pictures to my community college mentors and talked about how I loved UC Davis already. By the time fall instruction started, I felt right at home. The CLL staff welcomed me with open arms, and my doubts of belonging as a transfer re-entry student were gone. CLL went above and beyond my expectations; the work environment is organized, professional, and team-oriented. We even went to Lake Tahoe for team-building activities, and I never thought work could be both fun and educational!”

Have you learned anything from this internship? If so, what did you learn?

• CLL inspired me to be open to learning and growth. Christie embraces a student's leadership style and personality, which is rare in an internship. I learned about my top 5 strengths here, which helped me understand my natural talents to become a leader in my own, unique way. I learned to advocate for myself, and to reach out when I need help, as I was a student who constantly chased perfection. I was goal-oriented and still am, but I’ve learned from working at CLL that the process is much more important and meaningful than the outcome.
• This my second year as a CLL intern. Formerly a Peer Leader Intern, I learned to lead and create engaging activities for students participating in the Student Leadership Development Program. Now as a Program & Events Coordinator Intern, my role here has prepared me to pursue a prospective professional job after graduation. My experiences at CLL opened doors in every aspect of my life: from research and professional opportunities to personal growth.

What would you tell someone who is considering applying to be a CLL intern?

• Students should learn about the resources that UC Davis offers, and then take advantage of them. It’s true that employers look for leadership, but CLL is a professional environment that allows you to naturally discover your leadership style along the way. You can become a leader without changing who you are; understanding your unique style and embracing it is exactly what makes you a leader. Having worked with CLL throughout my time at UC Davis, I believe leadership can be learned and taught through the experiences our internships offer.

Apply to be a 2022-2023 CLL Intern

Are you looking for a fun, engaging, and worthwhile way to spend your 2022-2023 school year?  Gain invaluable professional and leadership skills by becoming a CLL intern; the deadline to apply is March 28.