Student envisions a world of opportunity and impact thanks to internship

(Editor’s note: This is the ninth in a series of stories about students in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications completing summer internships.)

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For one Penn State student the road to a potential career with worldwide impact runs through Happy Valley, and this summer there’s an important stop in Washington, D.C., as well. 

Dima Alsudairy, a senior double majoring in advertising/public relations and international politics, is completing an internship with the United Nations.

She works in the nation’s capital with a comparatively small group of U.N. staff members who strive to share the organization’s mission and vision with elected officials. The office essentially serves as the organization’s “embassy” in the Washington.

Alsudairy, who is adding a minor in digital media trends and analytics to her two bachelor’s degrees, works every day in the office. She reviews news headlines and think tank reports. She participates in regular meetings with the staff — often sessions that include high-level U.N. leadership.

Alsudairy, who has participated in numerous model U.N. sessions, was selected in June to write an article for the U.N.’s website about its 80th Charter Day celebration. She was the first intern in this year’s cohort to have such an opportunity.

After finding and securing the internship, the experience has gone well for her.

“It's all been better than I expected,” she said. “The best part is getting exposure to, and learning from, the people at the U.N. They’re dedicated, open and talented. Their passion certainly helps motivate you.”

According to Alsudairy, the U.N. also conducts regular seminars for its team of interns, with staff making presentations about their duties — which provides variety of context about the group’s impact and mission.

Alsudairy, who will graduate in December, hopes to work for the U.N., the World Bank or find some sort of diplomatic position for her career. She’s leaning toward pursing a master’s degree as well.

She said the opportunities and support at Penn State have helped position her for success.

“I was accepted into a lot of universities, but Penn State just felt right fit,” she said. “It was clear they cared about me, and the alumni association and the big network of alumni was appealing as well.”

Alsudairy has served as a teaching assistant for a popular Penn State sociology class, and she pointed to advertising/public relations strategy and research classes as especially helpful with transferable skills.

Alsudairy said Penn State has made it possible to pursue her dream of working in some sort of international role that benefits others. She said connections and support were the key to a previous internship, with Lemonade PR, and she’s especially proud of her role as founder of the Arabian Youth Society on campus.

As an engaged member of the community, Alsudairy worked to make connections and serve others. The youth society has conducted volunteer efforts in collaboration with several local churches (for things like food packs) and at the Penn State Arboretum.

“People are helpful and supportive at Penn State,” she said. “Because of that, you want to get involved and have a role as well. For me, Penn State has been the perfect fit of a community that provides support and one where you can find ways to give back.”