Communication and psychology student Gi Hong has worked in a lot of different places doing many different things. While all her work experiences have been different, her dual fields of study at MSU have given her a foundation of skills she can apply in any position.
"I feel like having a background in communication and psychology is really helpful for any job in general," Hong said.
In the past, the MSU senior spent time with the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council and worked at the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development. Most recently, Hong worked as an outreach intern for Gateway Community Services, a division of Child and Family Charities. Gateway works in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties to prevent and end youth homelessness.
Through out the summer, Hong and her Gateway coworkers scoured local shopping malls and parks, looking to provide information to kids in the greater Lansing area. She also helped out in the office and put together presentations.
Her most memorable day on the job was when they were out in the community and ran into a kid who used to live at Gateway’s shelter. Hong said it was really wonderful to see the youth, because after they left the shelter, Gateway’s staff lost contact.
She found the internship with Gateway through a human services internship course through the Department of Psychology. In connection with the internship, Hong also received the MSUFCU Internship Award.
Hong’s career goals include working with nonprofit organizations. While she’s not sure if she wants to work with teenagers specifically, like she did at Gateway, Hong is glad to have had the opportunity to do that kind of work.
Hong says her work experience has given her a better idea of what she might like to study in graduate school. She also encourages her fellow students to use their time in college to find their passion.
"Try as many different things as possible if you don’t know exactly what you want to do," Hong said. "And if you do know what you want to do, try to get more involved and do as much as you can."