A double major in sociology and criminal justice, Kayser has discovered a deep passion for social work. When searching for a summer internship that would advance her future career, Kayser was drawn to the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.

Kayser first discovered CIRI through Quinnipiac’s career fair this past February. CIRI is a social service organization that provides resources such as case management, advocacy, immigration legal aid and community service provider referrals to immigrants, refugees, survivors of human trafficking and unaccompanied minors. 

CIRI's program, Project Rescue, seeks to serve survivors of human trafficking within the state of Connecticut as well as unaccompanied minors, specifically. As a Project Rescue intern, Kayser assists in aiding eligible individuals to gain access to benefits and services through comprehensive case management and legal advocacy.

“I am passionate about a world that is boldly inclusive, peaceful and welcoming of all,” said Kayser. “This is CIRI’s mission and I am excited to be part of the important work they do.”

Aspiring a future career in social work, Kayser’s internship has allowed her to gain important skills and experience needed for a career in this field.

“This internship will build my skills and experience which I will take into my academic and post-graduate career,” she said. “Project Rescue will allow me to experience this field firsthand and build my passion for working with this population. With this education, I hope to use the skills learned from CIRI to acquire a career that I am proud of.”

Kayser is a recipient of the iQ Career Explorer Scholarship, which provided financial support for her to pursue this internship.

“We are thrilled to award the iQ Career Explorer Scholarship to students with unpaid internships for the first time,” said Kafui Kouakou, assistant vice president of career development and experiential learning. “This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting ambitious individuals who are dedicated to gaining valuable experience and advancing their careers, despite financial challenges.”

Kayser said that she was particularly honored to receive this recognition as it is a key stepping stone in her journey to pursuing her master’s degree in social work.

“It was reassuring to hear that my internship with Project Rescue was recognized as important work,” said Kayser. “I am financially independent and saving money so that I can continue my education for a master’s degree in social work. With the help of the iQ Career Explorer Scholarship, I am one step closer to obtaining my career goal.”

Reflecting on her experience, Kayser is fulfilled knowing that her internship has a big impact on the lives of those in need. As her internship continues, Kayser looks forward to helping even more families and building vital skills for her future career in social work.