The University of Texas at Arlington continues to strengthen its relationships with surrounding communities through an internship program that places students in city offices and nonprofits, giving them an opportunity to gain experience and make a real-world impact.
Through the Geisel Distinguished Summer Internship program, housed in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA), students are able to spend the summer working paid internships in nonprofit organizations and city offices across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
"Having these kinds of programs where students can go out to engage and participate in their community, and give back, is something students really are looking for," said David Coursey, associate professor and chair of the Public Affairs and Planning Department in CAPPA. "For the institutions, it's a good opportunity to attract and develop the next generation of workers."
The program began last summer after Professor Emeritus Paul Geisel made a monetary gift to CAPPA in support of such efforts. This year's participants are stationed in offices in the cities of Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and Farmers Branch and at the Dallas County Habitat for Humanity.
Oneva Sadiq, a Master of Public Administration student who is interning in the Farmers Branch City Manager's Office, said the program has helped her gain real-world experience while feeling more connected to her community.
"This program has increased my knowledge of the many functions of local city government and the interconnectedness of the city departments," she said. "The relationships built and connections made through this program can help the next generation of employees in these communities."
Sadiq has proven to be a valuable member of the team, said Jennifer Rainey, assistant to the city manager in Farmers Branch. She notes that Sadiq has been especially helpful with human resources-related duties and reviewing agendas, presentations and strategic plan updates before they are submitted to the city council.
"We are hopeful that participating in the Geisel Distinguished Summer Internship program and our partnership with UTA will continue to foster future local government leaders via students who are eager to grow and develop skills in local government projects," Rainey said.
Maggie Rivera, a Master of Public Administration student and an intern at the city of Grand Prairie, said she has learned invaluable insights into local government operations such as policy implementation and community engagement.
"Overall, this internship has provided practical knowledge and skills essential for a career in public service and governance," Rivera said. "This was a front-seat experience of how local government administers public funds."
Similarly, Faith Morse, chief of staff for the city of Mansfield, said the Geisel program has brought motivated and skilled interns to her department. Not only are they ready to learn, but they also bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table.
She said what separates UTA's program from others is the level of support and care the University puts into placing the right intern at the right place.
"This partnership also helps us stay connected with the latest academic research and trends," Morse added. "One of our 2024 City Council Strategic Priorities is 'Focus on the Future,' and we believe we are achieving our continued goal of connecting with the next generation through programs like this."
Luke Offen, senior financial analyst in the Grand Prairie Engineering Services Department, was a Geisel intern for the city last summer and hired full-time soon after. He said being a Geisel intern helped him learn not only what it's like to work for a city, but what it takes to get a full-time job anywhere.
Offen said as an intern, he would work on projects that city officials didn't have the capacity to complete themselves, but that proved to be the first step in networking and building the base of his career.
"My time in this program was incredibly valuable," he said. "Every student should strongly consider becoming an intern during their studies. Joining an internship program—especially the Geisel Distinguished Summer Internship program—puts you on the first step to doing whatever you want with your life."
