Summer is a season to enjoy exploring and new adventures. That is especially true for students embarking on summer internships, like these bold adventurers who joined the NC Office of State Budget and Management for summer 2024.
OSBM
Sara Ahmed
“I was searching for an internship that would allow me to apply data analysis techniques and analytical skills. I was interested in the opportunity to work in the state government, as it would expose me to a new and diverse professional environment.”
Sara Ahmed is a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, majoring in biostatistics and minoring in data science. This summer Sara has worked on data management. She produced a data usage and needs survey to better understand how different state agencies use the State Demographer’s data. With the results of her survey, OSBM hopes to improve the data platform and become more aware of what data is helpful for other agencies.
Sara’s background in biostatistics and data science has been valuable while completing her time at OSBM. “I’ve really enjoyed being able to attend meetings involving different state agencies.” She hopes to gain insights on her career aspirations this summer.
You might not know: Sara enjoys playing soccer in her free time and was part of her high school's soccer team.
Zeren Chen
“After working on projects for non-profits in the housing and charitable health sectors, I wanted to ‘follow the money’ and see how funds are allocated to these areas. Since money makes the world go around, what better place is there to uncover my query?”
Zeren Chen is working closely with post-Covid-19 commuter patterns, disaster management, and housing assessments this summer at OSBM. He has assisted OSBM research into funding for NC DOT’s projects and plans. Zeren is also taking a closer look into which disaster management approaches work best for numerous states. He will be comparing states such as, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and more.
He has always been fascinated by learning and absorbing any information he comes across. “I want to improve my skills in drafting evidence-based policies and writing, become a storyteller who emphasizes facts, and learn the tools to continue striving for the betterment of my community.”
Zeren is a graduate student at Sandford School of Public Policy at Duke University, working towards his Masters of Public Policy. He graduated from Syracuse University where he double majored in sociology and international relations.
You might not know: Zeren is always on the lookout for something new to do, eat, see, or learn.
Zavia Dickerson
“I’ve had a good support system with other interns and my project leaders...I love that everyday I can learn something.”
This summer Zavia Dickerson is researching state health plans in North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, and Georgia and comparing how each state plan is funded. She also worked on a project relating to farmland funding in North Carolina.
Zavia first heard about OSBM’s summer internship program through a mock interview process her first year at graduate school. Zavia attended UNC-Greensboro and majored in human development family studies. She is currently a graduate student at North Carolina Central University Department of Public Administration, and has a special interest in public health, transportation, and housing.
You might not know: Zavia has worked as a pre-school and elementary school teacher. She is currently training for a half marathon.
Kelly Hopkins
“I hope to gain knowledge and hands-on experience that I will be able to carry with me throughout my career."
Kelly Hopkins is a rising senior at NC State University pursing a degree in accounting. Kelly is working with OSBM’s internal audit team this summer. He is helping conduct an audit on universities' use of grant money from the state.
Kelly has been able to use his background in accounting and other state agency work throughout the audit process. He is excited to build connections and see how OSBM interacts with different state agencies.
“I have enjoyed the sense of family here at OSBM. Everyone here is very intentional about their coworkers’ birthdays, baby showers, and even team building exercises and get togethers.”
You might not know: Kelly enjoys staying active playing sports such as golf, football, basketball, and skiing.
Devin Rouson
“The attention to detail by Sean Ryan and Mary Corr has made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Additionally, working with Nicholas Norboge and Nitin Krishan has been a true pleasure.”
Devin Rouson is working with OSBM’s transportation economic analysts for his summer internship. He is studying the metrics used by the Department of Transportation in North Carolina and similar states to ensure maximum funding.
Devin hopes to gain experience and learn more about the work done at OSBM and its relationship with other state agencies. His engineering background has assisted him throughout his projects so far. Devin attended Norfolk State University and received his degree in engineering/technology. He is currently pursuing a Juris Doctorate at North Carolina Central University School of Law and expects to graduate with a Master of Public Administration.
You might not know: Devin has been playing the piano for 20 years and also enjoys playing the Hammond organ.
Regan Stewart
“I’m excited get more hands-on experience using different applications that I might not have used before. I am also eager to gain a better understanding of script writing throughout my internship.”
Regan Stewart is a communications intern this summer at OSBM. She completed website training and a site audit. Regan is also researching topics on the budget process to produce animated educational videos. Regan will also be working with some of OSBM’s social channels to create posts for different events and holidays.
She is currently a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in media and journalism with a concentration in advertising and public relations.
You might not know: Regan is part of the club softball team at UNC-Chapel Hill.