I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to intern for HOPE for Prisoners this semester. HOPE is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping the re-entry population get back on their feet after incarceration. They do intensive case management for 18 months that can help individuals with almost anything they need to succeed, like finding housing, starting a career, getting a GED or college education, and getting vocational training. I am a psychology major, and this experience has allowed me to apply my education through empathizing with people who are in a vulnerable position and helping them find the hope they need to make their life better. I was also able to attend some of the programs substance misuse classes which was a great way to apply what I have learned about addiction and counseling. It would be beneficial for students planning on interning for this organization to take a basic sociology class prior to their internship in order to better understand the barriers people can face as a minority in society. A lot of individuals in the program are disadvantaged due to systematic difficulties that are explained in sociology classes.
I am grateful that this internship has helped prepare me for performing in a professional environment. I learned a lot about basic office duties which is useful because if I ever find an office job, I will be able to hit the ground running, as I am comfortable with duties like copying, faxing, and running the front desk. I was able to shadow case managers and witness risk assessments and intake interviews which provided me with a basic understanding of social work which will be useful in my career. I would love to work in this field (or even for this program) after graduation because it is very inspiring work that leaves you satisfied at the end of the day knowing that you are helping people in need. Before I graduate, I would like to work on my communication skills and professionalism, so I am better equipped to work as a case manager.
If I had any advice for incoming interns, it would be to really take this program seriously and do not take this opportunity for granted. This was an amazing way to start networking as an undergraduate student. I feel much more prepared for joining the workforce after graduation because I was able to network with a prospective employer. This program was great, and I highly recommend it to UNLV students!
During my time at HOPE, I was able to assist with a fundraiser at Resorts World, which I found to be very inspiring. Also, we had monthly graduations for individuals who completed the week-long workshop that is required to join the program (pictured below).
Hi Star,
I find it so interesting that you got to experience this. One of my goals in law is to ensure people who are wrongfully convicted get the justice they deserve and this is such a cool organization. Gaining those office skills is going to be really helpful, I am glad I got that training as well. I hope you enjoyed your internship and I hope your career goes well for you!
Hello Star. What an amazing organization you were able to intern at. I never heard of HOPE for Prisoners. I love the picture you included below as well, it is so awesome that your internship program offered a graduation for those who completed their workshop. The experience you gained from this internship is invaluable. I cannot imagine how rewarding the work you did there was. We need more programs like this in every state.
Hello Star, I am super glad that you got to enjoy interning at HOPE for Prisoners- I think that it is a great organization that does amazing things! One thing that I have learned from my own internship is that inside the municipal court rooms, there is a placard full of names hung on the wall. I was told that those were all the graduates from HOPE for prisoners.. and there was a good amount of names too! But the list could be longer, and the work doesn't just end there. Thus I appreciate the work that is placed into this organization, and I am happy that you got to be a part of that work. I wish you nothing but the best in future endeavors!
Hi Star,
What a fantastic internship!! I have never heard of HOPE for Prisoners. This organization is doing wonderful things for incarcerated people. They are giving them a second chance by adequately preparing them to re-enter society, helping them get their GED and vocational training -WOW! I am so happy that you got the opportunity to be involved in this program. It simultaneously prepares you in the work field, giving you confidence and a rewarding feeling of accomplishment. Good luck with your future endeavors!
Hi Star,
This sounds like an amazing experience, I'm glad you had a great time. The office experience you got can be transferred to anywhere, no matter what field you enter. I hope this can lead to a long term position for you. It's hard to find a job that you are passionate about and leaves you emotionally fulfilled. I hope you have a great rest of your semester.