The Ramsey County Progressive Internship Partnership program just announced they have welcomed four new Progressive Interns into their organization from Saint Paul College. New interns Mohamed Ahmed, Javonda Jones, Kyu Kyu Myint, and Tom Martinson will be embedded in the departments of Finance, Health and Wellness Administration and Property Management at Ramsey County.
“Our Progressive Interns bring a wide range of talents and experiences and are truly representative of Ramsey County,” says Ryan O'Connor, County Manager, Ramsey County. “This two-year immersive experience has involved six students prior to the start of the new cohort, with three students continuing to work with Ramsey County in other capacities after their internship concluded. Ramsey County has benefitted tremendously from their talents.”
Established in 2015, the Progressive Internship Program is a partnership between Ramsey County, Saint Paul College and Metropolitan State University. The Progressive Internship provides on-the-job learning and networking opportunities with Ramsey County to students starting their education at Saint Paul College and then continuing to Metropolitan State University for their bachelor’s degree.
“I am grateful for the Progressive Internship Partnership with Ramsey County and Metropolitan State University,” says Dr. Rassoul Dastmozd, President/CEO, Saint Paul College. "The Progressive Internship model provides our students with the opportunity to earn a livable wage, be engaged in a very hands-on and meaningful work experience, and ultimately cultivate and establish the social connection that they need to be able to secure competitive employment."
The following information is a brief introduction of the four new interns in their own words:
Mohamed Ahmed
My life started in Mogadishu, Somalia. I was there for the first part of my life until conflict took over almost everywhere. After several years of constant conflict in Somalia, I moved to Kampala, Uganda in my teenage years and eventually graduated with my high school diploma. Then I moved to America and enrolled in Saint Paul College. I will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Accounting in spring 2019. At Saint Paul College, I have been a mentor for new students and volunteer with the Cultural Learning Center. I have also volunteered in Ramsey County’s Health and Wellness Department to gain more experience. After earning my AAS degree, I will pursue my bachelor’s degree at Metro State University.
Javonda Jones
Originally from Ponchatoula, Louisiana, I am a first-generation college student in my family. I have three beautiful children at home, who motivate me every day to keep striving toward my goals. I graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Saint Paul College in 2018, and I’m now attending Metropolitan State University as a psychology major. I am very grateful for this opportunity with the Progressive Internship in the Health and Wellness Division of Ramsey County. I look forward to learning and progressing in this program to maximize my educational experience.
Kyu Kyu Myint
My original country is Myanmar (Burma), which is located in Southeast Asia. I've resettled here in Minnesota since November 2013. I finished my Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting in May 2016 at Saint Paul College. Now I am continuing with a bachelor’s degree in accounting at Metropolitan State University, and working as Progressive Intern at Ramsey County's Finance Department.
Tom Martinson
I grew up in Rochester, Minnesota with two older sisters and two parents. After high school, I earned certifications in Computer Aided Drafting & Design at Rochester Community & Technical College. A few years later, I transferred to Saint Paul College as a TRIO student, intending to earn a degree in accounting. I am considering graduating this fall with both a degree in accounting as well as finance. In order to gain experience in teamwork and leadership, last year I served as the secretary of the Student Senate at Saint Paul College. Next year I plan to attend Metropolitan State University while developing myself as an accounting/finance Intern with Ramsey County.
For more information about the
Ramsey County Internship program go to
https://www.saintpaul.edu/studentservices/ramsey-county-progressive-internship.
