Charting a professional path with purpose
Silvia Garcia is working toward graduation in spring 2026, when she hopes to complete her bachelor’s degree in political science along with a certification in public administration and public management. A lifelong learner and multi-tasker, Silvia recently added a notary public commission from the Arizona Secretary of State to her impressive résumé. She is developing her talents and gaining experience through a fall 2025 internship at the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. With a paralegal certificate and fluency in Spanish, Silvia is building a toolkit for a future in public service, law and beyond.
Pictured above: Silvia with her mentor, Assistant Teaching Professor Jennifer Robinson
Question: Which career-connected learning aspects of the Emerging Professionals program were most meaningful to you?
Answer: The most meaningful aspect for me was the mock interview. It gave me a chance to practice real-world interview skills and receive valuable feedback that I know will help me in future job opportunities.
Q: Describe any benefits to the program that surprised you — things you may not have expected when you first signed up.
A: One benefit that really surprised me was how much the program helped improve my networking skills. I was able to get out of my shell and learn how to start and maintain conversations, something I used to struggle with. This experience really boosted my confidence when interacting with professionals.
Q: What do you hope to do after earning your undergraduate degree?
A: After earning my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue a master’s in public administration and eventually attend law school.
Q: Can you talk about the internship you found and how you found it?
A: I was scrolling through the CISA website when I came across the featured internships section. That’s where I found a public policy internship opportunity with the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. Although I applied late, I was told I would still be considered for the next semester. Later, at a business dinner organized by Julie and Jennifer from the student engagement team for the Emerging Professionals program, I happened to be seated at the same table as Kim, who works with the Chamber. We had a two-hour conversation where I asked her about her career path and how she got her current role. She also took the time to get to know me. That night, she offered me the internship and mentioned she’d be reaching out again in early fall semester.