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Last Update:
March 1, 2013

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Internships & Careers

Internships

The Center for Latin American Studies has contacts with several local organizations in the San Diego area that have internship possibilities. For more information on how to receive credits for internships please contact clasintr@mail.sdsu.edu

>>Download the LATAM 495/795 Internship Form (.pdf)

Listings

EJE Academy is Looking for Mentors!

Excellence and Justice in Education (EJE) Academy is looking for dedicated students who are able to mentor youth at a bilingual charter school in El Cajon. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a child's life in an encouraging and open environment. Unlike most mentoring programs, EJE Academy wants mentors to interact with students on and outside of campus. Through this program, interns will have the opportunity to take students on field trips, help them during school time, and make a lasting impact, all while earning SDSU credit!

Requirements: Must be able to commit 3-5 hours each week to spending time with student. TB (Tuberculous), Finger-printing and background check are required for working with underage children. Each mentor/intern will need to make phone calls and home visits to Middle School students. Additionally, all mentors must check in with Ms. Castaneda, the school counselor at EJEA.

For more information, please email Annika Adamson at clasintr@mail.sdsu.edu at the beginning of the semester.


Project Doable! Internships Available

Project doable! is looking for proactive, self-starter, passionate individuals who are 18 years or older to be members of our team. We are looking for people who are willing to think creatively, solve problems and work towards goals with minimal supervision. Ideally candidates will be comfortable with ambiguity and the exciting growth potential of a start-up company environment. As the company grows, interns and volunteers who prove to embody the spirit of the Project doable! mission and have strong work ethic will have the opportunity to become paid staff.

Market Research Intern

This is an intern position for an individual who has strong computer skills, and the ability to compile data into market research reports. Preferably, the candidate will be an Undergraduate (junior or senior) or Graduate student with a Business or Marketing major. The candidate should have at least 2 years of professional or academic experience in the specified field. This internship will be a 10-15+ hour a week commitment. This internship will be primarily virtual except for the weekly briefing meetings.

Main duties:

  • Compile data from global companies in the form of surveys, phone calls and emails
  • Assist in devising strategic plan identifying global markets
  • Research global markets on the social issue end and the business end
  • Do market research in collaboration with NGO Outreach Intern
  • Conduct outreach to global NGOs (nongovernment orgs) and NPO (nonprofit orgs).
  • Compile pertinent data necessary for marketing and branding campaigns

***Project doable! aims to address the market needs of the Bottom of the Pyramid (2.5 billion people globally who live on an average of $2 a day). Intern will be responsible for identifying smaller, market segments based on social, issue, population impacted and geography***


NGO Outreach Intern

This is an intern position for an individual who has a principal awareness of global issues and current events. This person will have strong interpersonal skills with a professional demeanor. Preferably, the candidate will be an Undergraduate (junior or senior) or Graduate student with a Communications, International Relations, Conflict Resolution, or other related major. Experience in community outreach, volunteering and or nonprofit organizations is preferred. This is a 15+ hour a week commitment. This internship will be primarily virtual except for the weekly briefing meetings.

Main duties:

  • Conduct assessment of the Greater San Diego County for under-served markets and unmet needs
  • In collaboration with Project doable! team, devise strategic outreach plan to educate NGOs, NPOS
    about Project doable! services
  • Establish relationships with NGOs & build Project doable! membership on the NGO end
  • Help Project doable! team compile case studies
  • Identify new sources of case studies
  • Present Project doable! at meetings and events with partner organizations


Business Development Intern

This is an intern position for an individual who has the ability to think strategically and creatively. This person should have an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to problem solve. A graduate level student or higher is preferred. The candidate will possess a strong background in business development, either through prior internship or work experience. A strong financial background is ideal. Experience or background in marketing / branding is highly desired. This is a 10-15+ hours a week commitment. This internship will be primarily virtual except for the weekly briefing meetings.

Main duties:

  • Help develop and test the viability of Project doable! business model
  • Devise a viable revenue model
  • Assess organizational development, cash flow, and future growth projections for company
  • Collaborate with marketing volunteer to strategically streamline company’s brand
  • Work closely with Project doable! Founder to expand services and web site features for costumers
  • Assist in building network of businesses and companies with innovative services and products that may address needs identified at bottom of the pyramid

Branding & Marketing Specialist

This is a volunteer position for a young, ambitious professional who is looking for a purposeful venture to contribute to on the side of a blossoming career. We are looking for a person who is creative and who has a global mindset. Preferably, the candidate will hold a degree in Business and/or Market Segmentation and have 2-3 years of professional experience in branding/marketing. The candidate should understand how to strategically devise a large scale marketing campaign for a web-based company. Experience with social media is highly desired. This is a 10-15 hours a week commitment.

Main duties:

  • Collaborate with founder to create a strategic marketing plan including but not limited to media and community outreach, membership development, branding materials, logos, taglines, general advertising, print and social media campaigns, live interviews and other creative marketing means
  • Work closely with business development and Founder to establish a ‘voice’ and ‘culture’ for Project doable! Brand
  • Work to expand Project doable’s online presence utilizing social media
  • Think of fun and creative ways to engage the community in submitting case studies
  • Help coordinate outreach strategy with NGO Outreach Intern

Translation Internship at Federal Defenders of San Diego

Federal Defenders office in San Diego (FDSDI) is offering an internship program that offers students a specialized real world apprenticeship where they will apply their bi-cultural skills and gain practical insights toward becoming proficient working professionals.

TITLE: SPANISH/ENGLISH TRANSLATION INTERN DESCRIPTION OF

DUTIES: The Translation Intern will work in a legal office environment translating a variety of documents to be submitted to the Court in criminal cases.

HOURS: 8-12 hrs per week, 160 hrs credit Flexible schedule within the hours of 8 am to 6 pm M-F

QUALIFICATIONS: A high level of spoken and written Spanish and English fluency Bi-cultural background and education a plus Excellent comprehension and writing skills in both languages Word processing proficiency

INTERNSHIP COURSE INFORMATION: Independent study or course credit according to the specifications of each instructor or institution. Interns will learn about the responsibilities and operations of a legal office and will receive orientation on pursuing careers as court interpreters, translators, investigators, paralegals and/or attorneys. A letter of evaluation and recommendation will be provided, based on performance and a 250-500 word essay on how cultural differences are revealed in translation from the perspective of any academic discipline of interest to the student, such as law, sociology, literature, linguistics or anthropology.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit a résumé and letter of interest to Yolanda France, Chief Interpreter, to Yolanda_France@fd.org

DEADLINE: Open until filled each school term throughout the year

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation representing indigent persons accused of federal criminal offenses. Our close proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border has a strong influence on our caseload.

Our staff currently consists of over fifty trial attorneys and sixty support personnel, many of whom are bilingual and bicultural. Our attorneys are assisted by highly trained and dedicated investigators and interpreters.

NBC Building
225 Broadway Suite 900
San Diego, California 92101-5030
(619) 234-8467
FAX (619) 687-2666


Mixtec Cultural Exchange Program: In San Diego

Tasks:

  • Teach English or Spanish to Indigenous Mixteco Adults
  • Provide tutoring and educational activities to Mixteco youths

This is a great opportunity to learn about the Mixteco culture, practice your Spanish, and gain practical experience in language instruction. No prior tutoring experience needed; this is a hands on learning experience for you and the Mixteco community.

Requirements: Must be available to teach on Tuesdays or Thursday evenings in Linda Vista from 5:30-8:30 and help with cultural workshops on two Saturdays over the course of the semester. Spanish preferred, but not required.

For more information, please contact Annika Adamson at clasintr@mail.sdsu.edu

Unaccompanied Minors Shelter Program: In El Cajon and Lemon Grove

  • Teach life skills and provide educational and recreational activities to refugee minors while they await reunification with their families in the US or abroad.
  • Learn firsthand about the experience of youths who have immigrated to the US alone, while helping them learn about American culture and practicing your Spanish Requirements
  • Must be 21 years old
  • Committed to working both fall and spring semesters
  • Ability to speak Spanish is preferred, but not required

For more information, contact Annika Adamson at clasintr@mail.sdsu.edu or call 594-1103


Sea Turtle Conservation & Environmental Research in Mexico and Central America

Please see the Baja California Internships & Classes page for further information.


American Friends Service Committee

Tasks: Strategic planning for center activities, involvement in decision making and press conferences. Also participate in current research projects (including the environmental costs of the triple fence, High chases of border patrol and other Human Rights projects)

Requirements: Preferably bilingual and up to date with current immigration issues and policies.

Apply: Send resume and cover letter stating why you would like to be part of their organization.

Contact: (619) 233-411


Legal Aid Society of San Diego

Contact: Jason Turner (619) 262-5557 Ext.2638


San Diego Arts Media Center

Task: Marketing, office work, distribution

Requirements: Will be assigned according to major and interest


TV Channel 61 KGHB

Tasks: Production-editing, photography, operations-administrative, business

Requirements: Chicano/Journalism/Broadcasting

Contact: Armando Corral (858) 278-6161


Casa Familiar

Task: Depends on student's interest and availability

Contact: Andrea (619) 428-1115

U.S. Pretrial Services Internship Program

Tasks: Will be paired up with officer and part take in daily activities, a lot of computer work, participate with clients in custody and supervision of cases, learn the job of an officer, improve report writing and how to interpret criminal records.

Requirements: Good computer skills and drug screening

Contacts: Tammy Wiedling (619) 557-3414

Web Site: www.caspt.uscourts.gov

AIXA Quiros Latinos and Latinas in Action

Tasks: Community organizing and advocacy, leadership building, survey building, administrative tasks.

Requirements: Interest and preferably Spanish speakers

Contact: Aixa Quares (619) 283-9624

Website: www.midcitycan.org

Big Sister League Mentor Programs

Tasks: The intern would be responsible for recruiting/training/matching and supervising volunteers.

Requirement: Interest

Contact: Maryann Kissling (619) 297-1135


Environmental Health Coalition

Dedicated to the prevention and cleanup of toxic pollution threatening public health, and the environment in the San Diego/Tijuana region.

Requirements: 16 hours a week and at least 1 semester commitment.

Apply on line: www.environmentalhealth.org

Contact: (619) 235-0281

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Careers

Latin American Studies prepares students for a wide range of career options, including

  • Education (K-12)
  • Foreign Service
  • International Agencies
  • International Business
  • Not-for-Profits
  • Domestic Social Service Agencies
  • Law Enforcement
  • Post-Graduate Degree Programs (MA and Ph.D.)

Successful careers depend on more than your degree, however, and every LAS student is strongly encouraged to do two things:

  • study abroad
  • a semester-long (or more) internship

Living and studying abroad, together with the work experience of an internship in your area of career interest, greatly enhances your degree and your career options. A Latin American Studies degree is a good start, but to get to the next level you need more than a college degree. Study abroad and internship experiences will help you realize your goals.

Career Services

To find out about the requirements of your career choice, and to look for a useful internship in your preferred area (including international internships), students are encouraged to get to know SDSU’s Career Services. SDSU’s

Career Services is located in Student Services 1200, but many of its services are accessible on the Internet. Career Services offers a wide range of services to current and former students, CSU and SDSU alumni, parents, faculty and staff. Information for current students can be found on the Career Services' Website, in particular at the current student section.


>> Download the Work Study Application (.pdf)

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