Student Success Stories

Mariah Olivera, Class of 2012

I have an internship at Congresswoman Barbara Lee's District Office in downtown Oakland. As an intern, I work closely with the Congresswoman's congressional aides. I work mostly on immigration casework and ocassionally on special projects, based on my interests. I do a lot of writing and I talk with many constituents on a daily basis. I began as a summer intern right after my freshwoman year at Mills, and I have continued as an intern during the fall semester of my sophomore year. I got this position by working with Pooja Sharma on my resume and cover letter. After I was called for an interview, Pooja conducted a mock interview with me to help me prepare and also helped me to fine tune my elevator speech. Through this internship, I have learned about all of the behind-the-scenes work of a congressional office and I have gained more insight into our federal government and politics. Some of the highlights of my internship so far have been participating in special events with the Congresswoman, improving my writing skills, and constantly learning from all of the district office staff members. This internship has also allowed me to learn a lot about myself, what I am interested in, what I am good at, and what career path I would like to take. I look forward to having more meaningful internship and work experiences and I thank Pooja, Neepa, and everyone else in the Career Center for helping me to get these opportunities.

Daisy Gonzales. Class of 2007

As a Mills student, I had the opportunity to seek internship opportunities that enhanced what I was learning in the classroom. As a graduate of Mills, I pursued a fellowship that would serve as a learning experience and professional networking opportunity.

As a current California State Assembly fellow, I have been given the unique opportunity to learn about California's legislative process while working as a professional staff member. This fellowship allows you to learn by practicing and gives you access to a diverse set of leaders and experts-an experience you can not receive in the classroom.

Shruti Chandhok, Class of 2008

The Career Center is an exceptional place to find support and encouragement. Since my freshwomen year I have been in and out of the resource room, trying to pick a major, create a resume, reword cover letters, and to win my most recent battle with the personal statement! I have had the opportunity to work with Career Services since my sophomore year and have personally witnessed the large amount of information on internships, scholarships etc. that is housed here. This year in particular the Career Center staff (Kate, Pooja and Jean) saw me everyday to help me with interviews and personal statements to get into my first choice of law school. All the visits and panic really did pay off as I was accepted into Cambridge law school this Spring. I would highly encourage anyone with the slightest curiosity or doubt about any of this material to visit the Career Center before and even after graduation!