Sophie Potter Grant Story
Sophie Potter Grant Story
Internship Abroad: Working in Asuncion, Paraguaya
Over the past month, I had the incredible opportunity to intern for Fundacion Paraguaya in Asunción, Paraguay. As an Economics (BS) and Latin American Studies Major, my role as a data intern allowed me to delve into the field of study and region of the world that has always captivated my interest. Fundacion Paraguaya provided me with an invaluable opportunity to explore a potential career path as a data analyst. As part of the methodology team, I was assigned to sort through and catch errors in the database as well as the fieldwork surveys. I worked with their global database called the Poverty Spotlight Platform and produced an analysis of its structure.
This project heightened my skills in identifying gaps and inconsistencies in data, which I then used to create a framework that will be used to gather additional systematic metadata more accurately and consistently. It was also my first time using Excel in a non-academic setting, and so my skills were challenged and improved by my colleagues who had years of experience using Excel, Microsoft, and other platforms in a business setting. As a result, this hands-on experience not only solidified my passion for data analysis but also equipped me with practical skills that are highly relevant in today's data-driven world.
One of my primary goals with this internship was also to improve my Spanish language proficiency. Being surrounded by a team that conducted work in Spanish and the constant interaction with locals drastically improved my listening comprehension. Most weekends were spent traveling through the country visiting museums, the stunning nature (I recommend Lago Ypacarai), and hanging out with my local friends. And so, my Spanish was constantly used when traveling: Ubering, buying bus tickets, and ordering food at restaurants. My confidence in speaking the language has grown tenfold, making me feel very prepared to study abroad in Argentina this fall!
As a Latin American Studies major, spending time in South America has enriched my understanding of the culture, history, and social dynamics of the area— from presenting at “Cerrito”, an economically sustainable high school, to visiting “El Museo de Las Memorias Dictadura y Derechos Humanos”, a museum detailing the repressions and violations of human rights under the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner. I have been able to observe and participate in activities that directly align with my studies, providing me with a deeper level of knowledge and appreciation for the subject matter.
My time in Paraguay has been eye-opening and invaluable in helping me figure out what I want my future in the workplace to look like. From the stunning nature to the friends I have made here, I’m forever grateful to have had this experience and know I will be back. My hope is that more students have the chance to intern for Fundacion Paraguaya!
