Refugee Student Advocate Internship

The Refugee Student Advocate intern is a leader for diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Montana. This student meets refugee students where they are, fosters relationships between refugee students, other campus units and student groups, International Rescue Committee, Soft Landing Missoula, Lifelong Learning Center and other non-profit organizations serving the refugee community in Missoula. The intern will help University of Montana better meet and serve the refugee students’ needs and interests to create a safe space and a supportive and inclusive environment for every refugee student on campus. The intern will assist UM campus units and non-profit organizations in providing information and resources to refugee students. This intern will introduce refugee students to campus support services and introduce refugee students to campus student groups. Moreover, this intern will plan as well as host events on campus, with the support and collaboration of Global Engagement Office and other campus units and community organizations serving the refugee community to educate the campus community about refugee issues. This intern will relay the feedback from refugee students to campus units in order to enhance the refugee student experience at UM.

The Refugee Student Advocate Intern position provides the opportunity to enhance individual skills in written and interpersonal communication, organization, scheduling, public relations, public speaking, writing, sourcing information, and diversity training.

 

Essential Job Functions

  • Act as a liaison between refugee students, campus units, student groups, International Rescue Committee, Soft Landing Missoula, Lifelong Learning Center and other non-profit organizations serving the refugee community in Missoula.
  • Lead outreach activities to refugee students to enhance their experience at UM.
  • Gather and develop resources to best support refugee students in navigating UM campus (i.e. developing an FAQ). 
  • Regularly communicates with International Rescue Committee, Soft Landing Missoula, Lifelong Learning Center and other non-profit organizations serving the refugee community in Missoula to discuss any ongoing refugee student -related issues
  • Regularly update resources on GEO refugee student support website. 
  • Research, propose and design new event ideas for outreach and engagement of refugee students.
  • Organize volunteers for special events/projects, as needed
  • Work on other office projects, as assigned.

Benefits

  • Paid internship, $15/hour, up to 10 hours a week, for approximately 10 weeks each fall and spring semester
  • Obtain training in the profession of diversity, inclusion, refugee, and public relations
  • Develop skills in a professional work environment
  • Enhance leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
  • Have a chance to use the knowledge of international matters and cross-cultural communication acquired from your own global experiences or passions
  • Have the opportunity to work with individuals around the campus, including faculty, staff, and students
  • Experience an exciting, challenging, and rewarding job in a fast paced, cross-cultural setting
  • Gain concrete experience to put on your resume
  • Build your professional portfolio with projects that have long-lasting impact

Requirements

  • Must be a UM student in good academic and judicial standing
  • Must be available to work at least 9 hours a week. There may be occasional evening and/or weekend hours (but interns are notified in far in advance if this is ever to occur)
  • Must enthusiastically and accurately promote the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion to UM students, faculty, and staff; strong presentation skills and confidence in public speaking needed
  • Must have a high level of written and oral communication skills
  • Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and resourceful
  • Must be respectful, flexible, and willing to learn
  • Must portray a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Additional Desirable Attributes and Background

  • Desire to work with refugee students from various, diverse backgrounds
  • Experience with other cultures and intercultural situations, including studying, living, and/or traveling abroad, learning another language, working abroad (paid or volunteer), etc.
  • Identifies with or is active in a student group or organization on campus
  • Patience for helping students clarify their own needs, best interests, capacities, and resources in order to make informed choices
  • Experience with public speaking, engaging charisma and warmth, comfortable talking with strangers

Application Instructions 

Students must apply via Handshake.

Preference in hiring will be given to students who are able to commit to the position until the end of Spring 2024 term. All new hires must complete a short training program. All positions will be open until filled. 

For full consideration, attach a resume with TWO relevant* references, a cover letter, and your weekly availability to Handshake. 

*References should not be relatives and these individuals should be able to speak to why you’d be a good candidate, given the requirements or desirable attributes above. 

  

Please email marjac@mso.umt.edu if you have any questions, using the subject line “UM Refugee Student Advocate Internship Application."