Liliana Fernandez, Venezuela
MPA student,
Class of 2017
Intern, Centro de Estudios Locales
I am interning at Centro de Estudios Locales, a consultancy firm that is helping Venezuelan mayors to improve public administration in the fields of legislation, management, and political communication. I have learned a lot this summer about how governments function at the ground level. I have had a chance to get involved with activities such as putting together a budget, doing background research to develop a municipality plan, developing strategic political communication for mayors, and redefining the organizational structure of the central office.
This internship is providing me with a deeper understanding of local legislation and public administration tools that I hope to be able to use during my career. I am also much more aware now of the challenges in working at the local level.
Being able to work directly with mayors has been a fascinating experience. I have come to appreciate how qualified and well prepared some of them are. It is important to support mayors. They are truly the ones who manage and organize basic services for the community in Venezuela.
My country – Venezuela – is in the worst economic crisis it has ever suffered. I think as a nation we have to reflect on how to manage our natural resources, diversify the economy, and strengthen municipal autonomy in order to strengthen democracy and modernize our cities. I'm spending my free time the way so many Venezuelans are these days – talking to other Venezuelans and trying to understand the current situation. These conversations take place in public spaces like parks, and while waiting in lines for hours to buy food. During these times, I feel closer to people and to reality in Venezuela today.
Read more student internship profiles here.