Carolina Ruiz

What organization did you work with?

Marquis Company in Milwaukie Oregon, USA

What did you do at your internship?

My projects this summer included rolling out a workforce management application for smartphones to various facilities, evaluating current processes within existing people-management systems to identify and implement opportunities for high-impact change, and coordinating an event for a resident to re-experience a passion of theirs through the company’s New Chapter Program.

How did Lewis & Clark’s Career Center support you in finding, securing, and/or funding your internship?

Lewis & Clark’s Career Center supported me through the Hu/Hsieh Grant. This grant is dedicated to first-generation college students who are looking to enter a private-sector form of employment. As a student of color, I had gravitated toward nonprofit positions during my undergraduate journey because of their missions toward racial equity. My internship at Marquis Companies was my introduction to a corporate setting in healthcare and with the support from this grant, I was able to fully immerse myself in this experience without the economic tension I have faced in the past.

What is your biggest takeaway from your internship?

My biggest takeaway from this internship was that I wanted to continue towards my goal of becoming a leader in a nonprofit. Moving forward, I would like to pursue an MBA in Nonprofit Management at the University of Portland. Although this internship did not become my professional home, the exposure to data analysis will serve me well in my future endeavors.

How is this internship connected to your career goals and/or future aspirations?

This internship is connected to my career goal of becoming a leader in a nonprofit because it exposed me to data entry, analysis, and optimization. My hope is with this experience and the MBA I pursue, I will grow to enjoy this analysis with data pertaining to programs/projects related to housing and its intersection with race in the Portland Metropolitan area.

Last thoughts:

My experience has taught me so much about myself! I encourage anyone to get involved with the Career Center to look for opportunities that might interest them. Whether its a positive, negative, or neutral experience, I guarantee you will understand more about yourself and the goals you plan to set.