APAPA NATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Cindy Zhu

Sacramento City College

"Before APAPA’s Internship Program I did not have much experience in what it is like to work in a professional setting. The overall experience has been immensely rewarding and helped me learn a lot useful skills. APAPA has inspired me and shaped my values further, so I plan on showing my gratitude through ways I can help my community."

Faith Jalango

American University

"APAPA’s Internship Program offered me the opportunity to experience a professional work environment, which can be difficult to find as a college student. I feel as though I am well equipped with the right tools and resources for my next opportunity."

Isadora Toledo

Duke University

“The APAPA internship was a great opportunity to work on many different projects, and improve several different skills. Even when certain projects, like legislative research and report writing, drew on skills I already became comfortable with during college, the internship forced me to apply them in different contexts. Likewise, although I've had plenty of experience with group work in my classes, the virtual format of the program actually lended itself to a collaborative experience more intense than I had in any of my classes. By working with people from different academic backgrounds on initiatives ranging from social media research to grant writing, I was truly challenged to become a better teammate and communicator. I think that having to collaborate with peers for at least 6 hours a week, without the explicit guidance of a professor or rubric, is one that every college student needs before they enter the professional world. Overall, I can confidently say that participating in the program helped me improve my leadership and project management skills, and learn about my own strengths and weaknesses.”

Aira Darl "Blue" Amoguis

San Francisco State University

“APAPA gave me a glimpse into the professional working environment, and has given me the tools and skills needed to further my career and continue empowering the AAPI community.”

Ramanpreet Singh

Ohlone College

"My time as an APAPA intern Committee Leader helped me grow my communication and teamwork skills as it allowed me to work with many other just like me and help me grow my network."

Persable Tecle

University of California, Davis

“I had an incredible experience participating in this program, and I'm thankful I got the chance to develop my collaboration abilities while being immersed in a vibrant team atmosphere. The professional development workshops acted as a crucial catalyst, providing me with fundamental abilities and insightful leadership perspectives that are crucial in advancing me toward the accomplishment of my long-term objectives. I am appreciative of the preparation, networking opportunities, and professional growth this program has bestowed upon me. Thank you!"

Krystelle Tran

Cypress College

“The Leadership Launchpad Internship Program is a full package experience. There's project management involved along with a heavy emphasis on time commitment and collaboration within a team. It's definitely an internship that equips you with the skills that one may need to carry themselves onward into the professional world. What you put in is what you gain out of it."

Kevin Palacios

University of California, Davis

“The opportunity afforded to me by APAPA was a truly life changing one. Through this organization I managed to acquire an internship in the offices of CA Lt. Governor; Eleni Kounalakis. In my position I was able to acquire first hand accounts of people in various positions of our State level of government, contributing great insight into answering the question “what should I do next”, given I was graduating soon after my term. It was through my conversations with the International Affairs Advisor of CA, Mr Evan Reade, alongside my already existing international interest, that I decided to head down the path of Diplomacy. I am am incoming Fulbright Scholar, and hope to continue in my international interests in the future, thank you APAPA!”

Elijah Ebert

Brigham Young University-Hawaii

“Thanks to the APAPA internship program, I was fortunate to be placed in an office within the Hawaii State Senate. The support I received from APAPA was exceptional, guiding me seamlessly through onboarding and offering continuous assistance and training during my internship. It was reassuring to know that any queries or specific advice I needed were backed by a team genuinely committed to my success. I am so thankful for this program and the doors it opened for me and my fellow APAPA alumni!”

Annika Pu

Seattle University

"APAPA’s Internship Program facilitated a three month experience that dramatically honed a diverse set of skills that I would deem necessary for anyone, not just people interested in law or politics. Within this short time, I honed my leadership and communication skills in a manner applicable to any future endeavor, while meeting people from all over the country. At the same time, the research that we worked with supported a proactive engagement and awareness of current events and issues. Within that, I actually developed a real passion for Environmental consciousness, and environmental justice. Not only did these experiences function toward professional experience, but also stimulated a passionate awareness for AAPI injustice, and the need for environmental awareness."

Ryan Fiorto

University of California, Berkeley

"My time working with APAPA’s Internship Program has been extremely insightful. I have so many more skills under my belt and have been able to guide and develop progress towards many great initiatives—and I’m having a great time doing it!"

Jyotsna Dixit

University at Buffalo

"This program provided expert tools for any future projects. I am grateful that I received the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable people and get to pass that  knowledge to others."

Shannon Le

University of California, Irvine

"APAPA has been an amazing experience to grow professionally. It has given me opportunities to develop my leadership, communication, teamwork, and research skills. On top of this, the projects we worked on were very engaging and furthered my own skills."

Phiona Lu

University of California, San Diego

"APAPA’s Internship Program has provided me with the skills necessary to be more prepared for my professional future. I am glad that I had this opportunity and it was great to work alongside such an amazing group of people."

Aaron Sokthavy Tan

UCLA

"As a communication major in a UC institution, which are notorious for primarily teaching theory in the classroom, APAPA’s Internship Program offered me the opportunity to put my research and communication skill set to actual practice and specifically toward a positive objective that promotes social justice. As a first-generation college student, it also provided me with a lot of financial wisdom that is setting me up to be more responsible and intentional with my finances."

Subaita Rahman

University of California, Berkeley

"In my experience, interning with APAPA has been a one-of-a-kind environment of teamwork, civic engagement, and personal & professional development. With the support of other like-minded and motivated students and valuable mentorship, I was able to foster my own leadership skills and take more of an active role in my community and my career in ways I've never thought of before.."

Sarah Keshavarz

University of California, San Diego

"I had a great experience with meeting new people and learning new assignments. I learned how to not procrastinate and communicate effectively with people."

Brennan Morago

University of California, Santa Barbara

"The Leadership Launchpad has been one of the greatest opportunities I've had during my college experience. I've made so many new relationships with my fellow committee members and I've become so much more confident in myself and my abilities!"

Kevin Leon

University of California, Davis

"APAPA has been important to me because it has given me the opportunity to uncover eye-opening events and trends happening to our AAPI community. It has served as positive momentum in trying to enact change and bring awareness to those around me."

Ryan Marta

University of California, Berkeley

"The program coordinators and members are amongst the most motivated and inspiring people that I have met. The professional skills you develop with APAPA apply to any industry and so inevitably will help you along your journey."

Jesse Fraga

University of Texas, Austin

“My time at APAPA has taught me about leadership and working as a team. I got the opportunity to collaborate with other colleagues when it came to creating reports or developing a pitch. At APAPA, you'll get experience working virtually as jobs/careers in the market are heading into a remote work setting. In addition, I am grateful for the workshops that taught me how to be financially stable in the real world and other skills/techniques to be successful. Thank you APAPA for helping me become a better person, I appreciate it.”

Tana Martin

Washington State University

“I love this program. The work that we do is not only important for our professional development but we are exercising efforts towards something so much larger and I respect and value that. I have loved my time as an intern and as a program manager, both roles have brought forth challenges and rewards that I will most definitely take on with me as a further engage in civic leadership and advocacy.”

Linda Pang

Columbia University

“I really enjoyed the program and learned a lot from the various experiences that I wouldn't have had otherwise (social media content design, data base building, more AAPI knowledge).”

Joanna Monique Aguilera

California State University, Fresno

“APAPA Leadership Launchpad gave me the effective leadership and professional development skills I needed to succeed in this program and in my academic and work life. I hope I served APAPA's missions and passions to the fullest of my ability and will continue to show support and effort to the AAPI community and other minorities. Leadership launchpad Project Management has allowed me to develop a sense of curiosity for entrepreneurship and being able to help solve problems utilizing my technical skillset. I am forever grateful to be apart of something much larger than myself and am glad to join the cause for better leaders of tomorrow.”

Trevon Martin

California State University, Sacramento

"As a senior at Sacramento State looking for a boost in professional development, as well as personal development, I found just that with the APAPA Internship Program. It's experience I can add to my resume with confidence."

Kristen Le

University of California, Davis

"I really enjoyed my experience and I learn a lot this summer. For me, the best part was meeting new people and working with my peers. I met a lot of truly inspiring people."

Megan Pagaduan

University of California, Berkeley

"APAPA’s Internship Program has made me more confident and better equipped for applying for jobs in the future. I don’t think I could’ve gotten this experience anywhere else. APAPA has been important to my professional and personal growth."

Hur-Ali Rizvi

University of California, Davis

"APAPA’s Internship Program has given me a glimpse into the inner workings of a grassroots movement. I’ve gained valuable experience in project management by honing my public relations skills, engaging in direct outreach, and writing thorough business plans."

Youngyun Kim

University of California, Davis

"I believe APAPA has helped me grow personally and professionally in ways I never expected. I continue to learn valuable lessons and skills during our workshops and with our projects.."

Gabriel Lee

University of California, Santa Barbara

"I really enjoyed APAPA’s Internship Program because of how manageable it was but also valuable. I was able to schedule my own hours and work on my own terms but I still felt like the time I spent was very productive. I was able to develop practical life skills and attend some very interesting in-person events. Overall, I was happy with my time at the program."

Ria Agarwal

Tufts University

"I really enjoyed this internship because I was able to make an impact on the AAPI community while also gaining skills in project management, organizing, and graphic design. Overall, this internship definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone and encouraged me to pursue leadership positions."

Catherine Gonzalez

University of California, Davis

"I think APAPA’s Internship Program is a great opportunity for any college student wanting to intern. It is a great experience and we are all making a difference while doing so. It is not just a temporary position but a long life partnership!"

Rebekah Sims

University of California, Berkeley

"Interning for APAPA Internship Program not only equipped me with the confidence to be more vocal about my ideas and advocating for my community, but also exposed me to a group of passionate people who helped me grow through a challenging, yet educationally formative experience."

Sanjay Srinivasan

University of California, Davis

"It is an excellent program that improves leadership and professional skill for all participants regardless of major. It helps develop many life skills that would be useful in the professional world."

Kathleen Jiang

UCLA

"APAPA’s Internship Program has been an invaluable experience for me. I've gotten to help make an impact on AAPI issues that I'm passionate about, while simultaneously gaining professional development for my future."

Grace Fang

UCLA

"APAPA’s Internship Program is a program for people of varying experiences and skill levels to engage with one another and evolve as leaders. Students all over the country are able to come together for professional development, community engagement, and utilizing their voice for improving the world we live in."

Charity Arrington

American University

"APAPA’s Internship Program was an overwhelmingly positive experience of professional growth, community, and inspiration."

Megan Law

UCLA

"My time here at APAPA’s Internship Program was beyond amazing and I enjoyed working with a diverse group of people from different universities around the country! This internship has taught me how to be more confident and professional in my career advancement as well as passionate about prevalent social issues in this country."

Harry Yu

University of California, Merced

"The APAPA Internship Program is one of the greatest professional acumen developmental programs I have ever been a part of. This program simulates the real-world professional environment to a tee. Teaches you invaluable insights and knowledge in project management, community outreach, and team working skills. Great program with fantastic people, what more can you ask for?"

Kirsten Rose Kho

University of California, Berkeley

"This internship has given me such advanced consciousness on the importance of being well-informed. Understanding that the AAPI community is underrepresented has added fuel to my (newly discovered) passion to showcase their importance and representation. On this journey, I have met amazing individuals and colleagues that share this goal, and for many hours a week we create info-graphics, reports, and analyze data to be a catalyst for change. I have developed my professional and leadership skills through the power of Leadership Launchpad, and it empowers (and warms) my heart that we are doing it for such an impactful and extremely relevant population: AAPI."