meet our prior interns
Matt Vasquez
Master of Social Work, California State University, Chico
Grant Writer & Community Evaluator
2022-2023 Academic Year, 700 hours
Social Work may not initially elicit images of spreadsheets, logic models or SMART goals; however, that’s exactly what I gravitated towards in my MSW program. RISR facilitated that learning experience and exposed me to the interconnected network of micro, mezzo, and macro spheres. Whether I was meeting with key-stakeholders in-person or at my computer drafting a needs assessment, the RISR team and its projects molded my academic knowledge into a confident skillset. I was prepared to strengthen and empower the communities I served and continue to serve. My internship fostered valuable skills in data science, analytical writing, and conceptualizing grants into usable and effective programs. This internship affords exponential growth to dedicated social workers, and paves the way for a rewarding career.
The joys of working simultaneously in all spheres of social work has enriched my learning experience and challenged me to be a better social worker. Plus, the world can always benefit from just one more spreadsheet.
Hong Liu
Master of Social Work, California State University, Chico
Data Consultant
2023-2024 Academic Year, 680 hours
My internship at RISR was an incredible learning and growth opportunity. I worked on real-world projects, which allowed me to apply my master's-level social work knowledge in practical settings. My skills in data visualization and analytics improved significantly through hands-on tasks and mentorship from experienced consultants. Additionally, my confidence in my work and professionalism received a significant boost.
The supportive team culture at RISR made it easy to ask questions and receive feedback. This internship nurtured my passion for data science and provided me with valuable industry insights. I highly recommend interning here to anyone looking to launch a successful data consulting career.
My internship at Redwood Institute of Social Research was a transformative learning experience that shaped my understanding of data consulting and mezzo- and macro-focused social work. It set me on the right path for my future career.
Amy Beer
Bachelor of Social Work, California State University, Chico
Outreach
2023-2024 Academic Year, 460 hours
Doing my internship at Redwood Institute of Social Research was such a valuable experience. I learned so much about what goes into the work behind the curtains of the programs most only seen on the micro-level of social work.The skills I learned during my internship will serve me well as I further pursue experience at the mezzo- and macro- levels of social work. The team at RISR made the learning experience a pleasure to have, and provided me with a better understanding of myself and my passions, as well as being welcoming to any questions I may have had, regardless of how inexperienced to the role they may have seemed. Heather and Dan were patient and guiding as an intern, and I learned so much from them on how to be a better social worker. Beyond the superb supervision and guidance of them, they were also supportive during times of difficulty, helping me through navigating tough situations.
Interning at Redwood Institute of Social Research is being upstream trying to keep people from falling in the river in the first place, while the micro social workers help pull them from the stream downriver. Both serve such important roles within the field of social work.
Charis Pulei
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology,
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
Research Assistant
Summer 2024, 75 hours
My internship at Redwood Institute of Social Research was profoundly engaging. This opportunity allowed me to put into practice all the skills I have been learning in my Psychology B.A. As well as gave me my first experience in a professional research setting. By stepping outside the classroom and into the real world I was able to develop my theoretical research muscles into practical ones, becoming much more well-rounded. My experience at RISR also helped me develop a new sense of confidence in my chosen career path. I attribute this growth to the welcoming environment created by the RISR team. Their positive energy and support truly helped to foster a productive learning environment. Where I never felt nervous about asking questions or receiving feedback. At RISR I always felt valued and felt like the work I was doing was of value to the larger community.
On top of this, RISR gave me my first experience in a digital work environment. This was extremely valuable to me because it was a realistic window into what many careers may look like in the future. Helping me imagine how I might choose to shape my life.