Each year, the IRC in Missoula benefits from the dedication and commitment of students who serve as interns, eager to learn about the International Rescue Committee, refugee resettlement, and non-profit careers. Kylee Smith, a Senior at the University of Montana, served this fall as a Resource Development Intern. We sat down with Kylee to hear more about her experience as an intern. 

Meet Kylee!

Double-major in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies 

Great Falls, MT 

I am interested in learning languages and I have been (passively) learning Swedish for 6 months or so. I'm also studying Spanish! 

 

"A goal of mine that was especially ignited by taking WGSS (Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) classes at U of M was to hear more perspectives from people around the world. Additionally, over the years I have heard of the impact that the IRC has had on refugees and immigrants around the world, and I thought I could learn a lot from the organization and people who work here." 

"During this internship, I wrote and published a couple of newsletter articles geared towards celebrating refugees and informing the community of ways to build connections and bridge gaps. I worked behind the scenes in organizing and logging some in-kind donations. I also tabled with staff for various community events." 

"I learned a lot from the people I got to work with. They each held invaluable knowledge and offered lots of guidance. I have learned a great deal about not only the people who come to the U.S. through the IRC but also the technicalities behind the scenes of how a non-profit, such as the IRC, functions."

"I think my favorite moment was getting to table at the Holiday on Higgins event, where I was able to see the community's response to our work and the 'float' the development team put together. Also, I got to design things, and make buttons!" 

"Be open to try new things! From button-making, to tagging along for public safety meetings!"