Sophia Estupinan is a criminal justice major from Florida International University who interned at the International Association of Women Judges. Through TWC’s Academic Internship program, she was able to develop meaningful connections and find mentorship.
Where are you interning and what are some of your responsibilities there?
I interned at the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) as a Programs Intern. Some of my responsibilities were conducting research on some of the countries we worked with, sitting in on meetings and taking notes and drafting media briefs.
Tell us about a project you worked on during your internship that was your favorite, the most challenging, or the most exciting.
One of my favorite projects that I worked on at IAWJ was the launch for a Kenya Bench Book on Trafficking in Persons. Through this bench book, we worked with judges and magistrates from Kenya to roll out a book that could help better inform and be used as a training tool for other judges and magistrates in their country. We focused on the topic of trafficking in persons which was extremely interesting and eye opening. Apart from helping on this project, I also had the opportunity of meeting many inspirational and influential women who I’ll never forget!
This experience has impacted my career goals in an extremely positive way. It reassured me every day that I want to live in D.C, I want to go to law school, and I want to begin my career here.
Sophia Estupinan
How have you expanded your professional network during your time with TWC?
I have been very fortunate to spend the summer in Washington, D.C. and through doing so, meeting so many people and learning so much I would’ve never learned otherwise. I was able to expand my professional network by attending many seminars and forums. I’ve learned how to present myself professionally, all while meeting individuals who I had insightful conversations with and created meaningful connections for my career path.
How has this experience impacted your career goals?
This experience has impacted my career goals in an extremely positive way. It reassured me every day that I want to live in D.C, I want to go to law school, and I want to begin my career here. I was able to see places, meet people and experience things that became more of a reason to reach for my goals.
What advice do you have for students considering an internship with TWC?
Do it! It’s such a wonderful experience. It’s so hard to do internships out of state and this amazing program provides everything you could need. The application process is very simple: they help you pick your internship all while providing a career readiness program and an academic course. The bonus is that you meet forever friends and have unforgettable experiences.
What was your proudest accomplishment during your TWC experience?
My proudest accomplishment at TWC was an informational interview that potentially shaped a very important part of my future. I had the opportunity to meet with Melissa Wasser, a Policy Counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union D.C. office, which is the exact position I want to be in someday. I never thought this was even a possibility, but I had the honor of meeting with her and having an almost two-hour long conversation. She was extremely nice, and open to answer any questions or doubts I had. I was able to establish an extremely important connection for my future and find a mentor in her.
Let The Washington Center Help
Internships are one of the best ways to learn more about your industry, get hands-on experience under your belt and build a well-rounded skill set. As part of our Academic Internship Program, we partner with hundreds of internship sites around the country, and will work closely with you to find the internship that best aligns with your career goals and interests.
Learn more about the Academic Internship Program.
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