Intern Advice: Deyanara Solis-Najera

Deyanara Solis-Najera

Business Management, College of Business, Influence, and Information Analysis

Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services - Pathways Student Intern

My name is Deyanara and I am an intern with the Department of Homeland Security working with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). I started my journey here almost two years ago in the summer of 2017. When I knew I wanted to look for an internship that summer, I started to seek out information from professors and Career Services. One day, I got an email from Career Services about a post for internships with USCIS. I was hesitant but I decided to apply. That was the biggest and best decision I have ever made! This internship has allowed me to expand my knowledge, professional skills, teamwork skills, and had helped me build my future career.

The biggest piece of advice I could ever offer would be to take advantage of those opportunities. Find those opportunities that make you happy and can help you grow. I never imagined I would be a federal employee before I was even 20! If I would have never taken that opportunity for an internship two years ago I know I would not be where I am today. That simple email that sparked some interest, led to many doors opening for me. I think it is important that students do not get discouraged because of the lengthy application and interview process. I had a LONG application process with assessments. I had to get my resume reviewed and building a cover letter was also a small challenge. I applied for three internships that spring semester and I heard back from all three except the one I really wanted. I waited patiently and I got it! Of course I got discouraged because this process was lengthy. I did not give up and it resulted in a great choice. Going for those opportunities that sound interesting and not getting easily discouraged are two tips for advice I will forever emphasize. You never know if that opportunity will be the life changing.