Major: Sociology

• Internship: Pro Bono Institute
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-delgado-betz/
• Current Position: Peer Advisor for the Washington Program

Tell us about your internship – what kind of work did you do? What did you find rewarding?

As an intern you are given a broad range of interesting projects to do. I was doing work from administrative, excel spreadsheets to calling law firms about the annual conference that PBI hosts. I also did research for the staff to help them prepare for talks at Law Schools and projects on researching criminal justice reform. I also wrote blog posts about pro bono and the arts and attended virtual conferences that PBI hosted. Additionally, they sent many professional development opportunities and I had to the opportunity to attend the Legal Services Corporation annual conference in DC

Have your career or life goals changed as a result of your internship? If so, how? 

It made me more interested in legal non profit organizations and helped me decide as to whether or not I actually want to go to law school. I was exposed to the legal world in a positive way as all of the staff were ex lawyers but did something else besides continuing attorney work.

Share an exciting memory from your internship – something unexpected, an accomplishment, someone you met. 

Since it was remote we never had an office space but on our last few weeks we got to tour the office we would've worked at. It was right by the white house and it felt so special seeing the actual organization in person.

Did your internship lead to any opportunities?

I not only networked and secured connections with amazing people but also this internship led me to getting a Congressional District office internship and a peer advising position with UC Davis Washington Program.

Share a story about something special you did in Washington – an event you attended, a place you went, an exciting talk, etc. 

Besides walking everywhere which had to be my favorite part about living in the city, my friends and I attended the Bans off Our Bodies protest after the Supreme Court leak at the Supreme Court. We saw Senator Elizabeth Warren and felt so empowered being surrounded by so many people who came from all different parts of the DMV and east coast to protest for the right to a woman's choice. It was a day I will never forget because there are not many opportunities as a Californian to be able to utilize the right to protest at the Supreme Court of the United States.

How has living in the nation’s capital for a quarter changed you?

Before coming to DC, I was suffering mental health issues and the constant feeling of being lost. Moving here exposed me to not just a new environment and people, but a new outlook and direction on my life. Urban living is so amazing and there is so much to do in DC, never a day passed where I was bored and stuck with my own thoughts. Being able to develop a work-life balance, meet amazing people from all of the UC schools, and never run out of amazing coffee shops to try has made me understand what I want to do with my life and I hope I can bring that outlook back with me when I return to Davis.

Do you have any advice for future UCDC students?

10 weeks goes by fast, it is intimidating having to start over to meet new people at UCDC but once you find your group, they will be your life long friends. Take advantage of every day you are there. The best way to get comfortable in the city is walking everywhere. Also, if you want a Capitol or Whitehouse tour definitely get an appointment before you arrive in DC.