Ilma's PhD program is in the Religious Studies Department, focusing in the intersection of religion and literature.

What are your post-PhD career aspirations?

I am looking for careers in research where I could leverage my skillset. 

Why did you choose to intern with the Cooper Center, Communications Team?

As a creative writer and scholar, I have always been fascinated by the power of storytelling. I'm interested in understanding how stories work and what makes them memorable. During my internship, I sought to develop my ability to translate complex ideas into accessible language that could be understood by diverse audiences. By doing so, I aimed to increase the reach and impact of academic research, bridging the gap between scholarly work and the general public. Through this experience, I have gained valuable skills in communication, audience and data analysis, and writing, which will serve me well in my future career pursuits.

What projects did you work on during your internship?

I spearheaded the production of the Cooper Center's newsletter, which involved compiling and updating media and stakeholder outreach data. I developed visually impactful infographics and created engaging social media content. Additionally, I utilized data mining techniques to analyze social media data across multiple platforms and presented key insights to the organization's cross-functional team, informing strategic decision-making, and driving growth. In addition, I delivered a comprehensive mid-year review report that included strategic recommendations for enhancing user engagement, resulting in increased user satisfaction and improved business outcomes.

What have you learned as a result of your internship?

My communications internship at Weldon Cooper provided me with valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of communications, including compiling and updating media and stakeholder outreach data, creating visually impactful infographics, and developing engaging social media content. I also gained valuable skills in data mining and analysis, as well as presenting key insights to inform strategic decision-making and drive growth. Through my work on a comprehensive mid-year review report, I learned how to identify opportunities to enhance user engagement and satisfaction and provide strategic recommendations for improving business outcomes.

Has your internship experience helped you in your academic studies, given you skills you can use in a future career or helped you to think differently about your academic and/or career path? 

My internship experience at Weldon Cooper has been incredibly valuable in providing me with practical skills and knowledge that I can apply to my academic studies and future career. Through my work on the newsletter, infographics, and social media content, I learned how to effectively communicate complex information to different audiences, use design software to create visually appealing content, and engage with stakeholders in a professional manner. Additionally, my experience in data mining and analysis has improved my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which I can apply to various academic and professional contexts. Overall, my internship at Weldon Cooper has broadened my perspective on potential career paths and equipped me with transferable skills that I can use in the future.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

I enjoyed the opportunity to work on diverse communication projects, such as creating infographics and social media content, analyzing data, and compiling reports. I especially enjoyed seeing the impact of my work on the organization's engagement with its stakeholders and audience.

Would you recommend the PhD Plus Program to future students?

I would highly recommend the PhD Plus Program to future students, as it offers a range of valuable opportunities to develop transferable skills, such as project management, leadership, and communication. The program also provides various workshops, seminars, and networking events to help students enhance their communication skills, broaden their professional networks, and explore diverse career paths. Overall, the PhD Plus Program can be instrumental in preparing students for both academic and non-academic careers.