Two students majoring or minoring within SLCL spent this summer using LAS Life + Career Design scholarships that help fund unpaid or underpaid student internship opportunities.

Thomas Ballard, a junior studying political science, economics, and Spanish. He is developing skills that help him become a better writer, reader, speaker, and listener — all things that are necessary to be a successful lawyer.

To that end, Ballard researches international diversity standards as an intern with the Cline Center for Advanced Social Research, works as an intern at the Champaign County Public Defender’s Office, works as a residential advisor for University Housing, and serves as vice president of Volunteer Illini Projects. Finally, he landed an internship at the White House in the Office of Presidential Correspondence, which was possible with his LAS Life + Career Design scholarship.

"I was able to use the funding for housing, food, and transportation costs while in Washington, D.C., one of the nation’s most notoriously expensive cities," Ballard said.

Another student who took advantage of the scholarship program is Katrina Rbeiz, who chose Illinois for its clinical psychology program, but who has since added a major in global studies—and a minor in French—to help explore how cultural factors could explain differences in behavior and values.

Rbeiz's LAS Life + Career Design scholarship supported her research endeavors throughout the summer and allowed her to continue pursuing a topic she loved without having to worry about financial burdens.

"The University of Illinois has provided me with plenty of opportunities to develop my career readiness upon graduation, and this summer experience further cemented these competencies as I move into the next stage of my life,” Rbeiz said. “I feel better equipped to conclude my honors thesis, as well as to integrate what I've learned into my fall responsibilities as a research assistant because of the LAS scholarship."

The scholarships provide up to $5,000 to help with living, transportation, or other expenses related to engaging in unpaid or underpaid work in a professional experience. The opportunity can be an internship, undergraduate research experience, extended volunteer experience, or even a part-time job or any extended experience that can advance professional development.

Scholarship recipients are also coached by a career development professional on campus through enrollment in a Professional Development Seminar. As part of the seminar, students prepare for their experience, reflect on what they are learning and contributing during their experience, and reflect on how they are becoming more career ready.