Interview Questions

Questions To Ask

1. What traits does your ideal intern possess? 2. If internships are online, what steps will be taken to ensure interns maximize their experience? 3. Have interns ever had any negative experiences with IOP internships? 4. Examples of past projects that students have worked on? 5. Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?

What is a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?

As a leader, I strive to create a productive and inclusive environment for those around me. One time I was a leader was on a recent project that I completed with a team for my class on measuring public opinion. Feeling the effects of zoom fatigue, I lead meetings in an efficient manner to cover all material needed while we were together then delegated tasks for our time apart.

Tell me about a time when you failed/ made a mistake?

As a tutor for my high school writing center, it was our responsibility to create a senior year project to leave a lasting legacy on our center. My high school's writing center was one of the first at the high school level and one of the oldest and most successful in the area, so my group sought out to share our knowledge and experience as well as learn about other writing centers and create connections within the community. It was pretty successful venture as we connected a pen pal system between writing centers. However, as the year ended we got carried away by the excitement of college. I was personally looking on what was ahead of me and my team failed to wrap up the loose ends behind us. The project stopped the following year because we had not made efforts to ensure its continuation.

What are some of your strengths?

Creativity is one of my most important strengths. I thrive in environments where creativity is encouraged and fostered. This allows me to look at a problem from multiple perspectives and assess the best way to go about a solution. As a tutor, I have learned how to be flexible and creative on the fly getting my student to imagine a math problem or a historical event from multiple perspectives. Another one of my strongest skills is writing. From a young age, I have always been a dedicated writer eager to capture my reader's attention and make my point. For two years in high school, I managed a lifestyle and travel blog where I wrote to almost 500 subscribed readers from all over the world. Additionally, I managed my blog's social media and worked on outreach to connect with other bloggers. Furthermore, I was the youngest author ever selected for the Cat and Mouse beach reads short story anthology.

What does diversity, inclusion, and equity mean to you?

Diversity- representation across a wide array of traits and background not only on race and gender but age, sexuality, religion, and people with disabilities. Inclusion- Creating a sense of belonging in the work or classroom environment. All ideas are brought to the table and people feel comfortable sharing their ideas because they can sense their ideas are respected and appreciated. Equity- Everyone has access and the ability to pursue the same opportunities.

What is a challenge you have faced and how did you address it?

I am a tutor from a freshman from Northern Virginia but I first started tutoring her in 7th grade. When I started tutoring her, I expected that we would just do homework together and I'd help her from time to time. However, I quickly realized that she was seriously below grade level in math.

What are you looking for in a position?

I am looking for an opportunity where I can apply my skills as well as learn new skills. I'd really like a position where I feel like I am making a hands-on impact.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I think we've covered most of it. Thank you for your time today. I'm really excited about these IOP positions and just to summarize it seems like you are looking for motivated, passionate, students who want to make a difference with meaningful work. With my experience, I think I'd be a great fit for this opportunity.

What are your weaknesses?

One of my weaknesses is confrontation. I've been in group settings where it was clear that my partner or team member was not putting in their fair share and contributing to the project. Therefore, I would often cover for their work disadvantaging us both in the long run. I took a step back and realized that in addition to wasting my own time that I could find a better solution by developing a strategy. My plan A is to ask if they are unsure of guidelines or content or have extenuating circumstances. If they still do not complete the assigned work, it may require further intervention.

What are you passionate about?

One thing that I am passionate about is accessible and equitable education. I've been a tutor for several years as well as a volunteer for HYPE at UNC and have personally seen the power of education to inspire children and open new doors. There are serious educational disparities in the United States based on socioeconomic status and race which leads to the spread of misinformation and polarization. Additionally, education, as long as it is accessible and affordable, can be a door out of poverty providing people with a better life.

Why are you interested in this position?

Precision Strategies- unique combination of marketing and politics is directly aligned with my academic plans. North Carolina SBOE- passionate about education as a tutor. key insight into the education policy making process. Lillian's List- experience at IGNITE passionate about the work of Lillian's List.