Irving Cares was fortunate to get a grant from the Exxon Mobil Community Summer Jobs Program #CSJP, for a summer intern. Brenna Hill, a student at Trinity University, spent her summer with us working as case manager in the Employment Services Program. This is what she wrote about her experience, “As my eight-week internship with Irving Cares comes to an end, I am so thankful for my experience this summer and for the opportunity to learn from the staff, volunteers, and clients at Irving Cares. As an intern in the Employment Services program, my work centered around assisting clients with finding employment and helping them with any barriers or limitations that could keep them from securing a job. I assisted with the weekly Job Search Seminars, drafted and edited clients’ resumes, helped clients with online employment applications, provided bus passes to clients, and assisted clients with childcare and education. I also referred clients to other organizations for additional services and assistance.
My favorite part of my internship experience was engaging with the clients. Irving Cares sees many incredible people come through its doors, people from all backgrounds and circumstances, and I enjoyed meeting some of them during my time here this summer. Employment Services Manager and my supervisor, Mary Shelton, described it best: “I never know who I’m going to meet each day that I come into work. It keeps my job interesting and it’s why I do what I do.” I discovered her words to be true as I met with clients throughout the summer and learned about each of their unique stories and life experiences. Each day, I had the opportunity to get to know clients and assist them with finding employment, setting educational goals, or just serving as a listening ear for those that needed support.
In addition to being a rewarding and fulfilling experience, my summer internship also influenced my future career goals. As an Urban Studies major at Trinity University, I knew I was interested in non-profit work and wanted to experience working at a non-profit organization through my summer internship. Thanks to Irving Cares and the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program, I know that non-profit work is where my passion lies. I learned so much this summer through my internship, especially from the dedicated volunteers and staff at Irving Cares. I am tremendously grateful for my experience and know that it will shape my career and life path as I move forward.