High School Service

Erika Vijh

Present Address *** **** ******, *** *****, Michigan 48104

Phone 319-***-****

Email *****@*****.***

EDUCATION

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI May 2011

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor in International Studies: Latin America, Gender/Sexuality Studies

GPA: 3.602

Relevant Coursework: Political Persuasion, Public Opinion, Systematic Thinking, Principles of Economics, Spanish, Hindi

WORK AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Washington, District of Columbia Aug. 2010 – Nov. 2010

HELP Committee Intern, Education Policy Office

• Worked with senior policy advisors to write, prepare materials such as memos and statements for briefings and hearings

• Gained interpersonal skills necessary to efficiently address constituent concerns through phone correspondence

• Developed an understanding of the policy-making process through attending and transcribing bipartisan negotiations

Human Rights Watch, Washington, District of Columbia June 2010 – Aug. 2010

Intern – D.C. Advocacy

• Built effective communication skills through interactions with varying groups of individuals

• Represented HRW at pertinent events, reporting on topics or initiatives important to the organization

• Conducted in-depth research and analyses on mission-related topics and issues of interest

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, Ann Arbor, MI Aug. 2009 – May 2010

Peer Advisor

• Acted as a mentor for 34 underclassmen engaged in academic research occurring with University professors

• Organized interactive seminars in attempts to educate students on research topics, personal conduct, ethics, writing style

University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, Iowa City, IA June 2009 – Aug. 2009

Intern

• Honed professional writing skills through compiling and editing all articles for annual publication

• Copy-edited a reference book entitled “History of Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones” prior to its publication

Anger, Prayer, and Aggression, Ann Arbor, MI Sept. 2008 – Present

Research Assistant under Dr. Brad Bushman, Ryan Bremner

• Fine-tuned library research techniques as well as built statistical analyses skills

• Facilitated group projects so as to create a positive environment and work cohesively with peers

The Daily Iowan, Iowa City, IA May 2008 – Aug. 2008

Metro Reporter/Intern

• Developed cordial face-to-face and phone interview skills necessary for gathering accurate information

• Acquired ability to perform in high-stress environments, such as working under pressing deadlines

VOLUNTEER WORK AND CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

Pedagogy of Action, Ann Arbor, MI/South Africa Jan. 2010 – June 2010

Volunteer/Intern

• Learned about South Africa’s HIV/AIDS epidemic and its repercussions throughout the country

• Partook in a five-week HIV/AIDS advocacy and education program in various South African cities

Public Service Internship Program, Ann Arbor, MI Oct. 2009 – Present

Participant

• Participated in a training program designed to help participants achieve summer public service internships

• Engaged in discussions of current events to gain a deeper understanding of issues affecting the United States

Southwestern High School, Detroit, MI Sept. 2009 – Feb. 2010

Volunteer/Tutor

• Gained understanding of issues facing southwest Detroit residents through active and scholarly research in order to

conclude feasible solutions to raising the numbers of college-bound high school students from this area

• Acquired patience and understanding through working with underprivileged students apply to colleges

The Quito Project, Ann Arbor, MI/ Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador Dec. 2008 – Aug. 2009

Tutor

• Tutored underprivileged students, ages 3-6, on basic cognitive skills, such as numbers and colors

• Translated exams given by Michigan dental students for families within the neighborhood of San Martin, Quito, Ecuador

Alternative Spring Break, Ann Arbor/Detroit, MI Dec. 2008 – Mar. 2009

Community Organizer

• Participated in community rehabilitation efforts, speaking with members of Southwest Detroit’s Hope District

• Raised constituent awareness of air pollution legislation occurring in the Delray Neighborhood

Contact this candidate