After graduating in May 2025, Eva joined the NJ Governor's Hispanic Fellows Program through the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD) — part of the NJ Department of State.
Her advice to recent grads:
👉 Do your research — even if your interest in a field is small.
👉 Apply widely.
👉 Don’t be afraid to reach out to your network.
💬 Read Eva’s full interview and insights here
How did you find this internship?
I learned about this opportunity through one of the program’s alumni, who recommended it to me and another Rutgers student as we were considering our options for post-grad plans.
How many internships did you apply to before getting this one?
I applied to about three other internships before being selected for this one.
Were there any unanticipated costs? If so, how did you manage those expenses?
Yes, I anticipated a fair amount of travel since the program includes visits to various companies and corporations in addition to traveling to and from my site placement. I was able to manage those expenses with the help of Douglass Residential College, which offers a Special Opportunity Fund. Through that support, I was able to cover my travel costs. The fellowship itself is also paid, which was helpful.
What’s one recurring task you do that you didn’t expect going into the internship?
No two days were the same during my internship, and we had many opportunities to shadow our supervisor. One unexpected task was helping to begin the planning of an inaugural Latino Leadership Conference—a project I hadn’t anticipated but really enjoyed being a part of.
How has this experience shaped or altered your career plans?
This experience opened many doors and connected me with individuals across a variety of networks. I gained new skills and insights that I didn’t have before. Watching the work my supervisor, Linda V. Rivera, does was both inspiring and eye-opening. Her ability to lead with purpose and passion left a lasting impression on me, and it's something I aspire to bring into my own future career.
If you were talking to a senior who is considering an internship post-grad, what would you tell them to start doing today?
I would say—go for it! Any experience is good experience, and through this program, I met students at all levels—from incoming freshmen to master’s students. You miss every opportunity you don’t take, and internships are a great way to grow your network.
My advice: do your research, even if you only have a small interest in a field. Apply to as many internships as you can, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people already in your network. Also, remember that spring and summer internship applications usually open in the fall, so start looking and applying early!