Major: Agricultural Economics

Hometown: Khulna, Bangladesh

Career Goals: My career goal is to work as an economist in the research field, particularly on community-focused projects like Extension programs that support education, outreach, and community well-being. I am interested in work that combines research, data analysis, and public engagement to create meaningful real-world impact.

Hobby or Fun Fact: I enjoy traditional cooking and learning about different cultures and communities.

Thoughts from Sonia

During this internship, I hope to grow both professionally and personally by gaining practical experience in a professional work environment and strengthening my communication, teamwork, and organizational skills. I want to learn from experienced professionals, improve my ability to collaborate effectively, and develop greater confidence in adapting to new responsibilities and challenges. As a recent Master of Science graduate with a background in research and higher education, I also hope this experience will broaden my perspective and help me further develop leadership, problem-solving, and professional networking skills. I believe this opportunity will contribute to my long-term career goals by allowing me to apply my academic training in a real-world setting while continuing to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

What interests me most about working with Alabama Extension is the opportunity to contribute to programs that directly support communities and improve people’s well-being. I appreciate the organization’s focus on education, outreach, and practical solutions that create meaningful impacts at the local level. Being able to work in an environment that values community engagement and public service is something I find very motivating. This summer, I hope to build upon my communication, teamwork, and professional development skills while gaining more experience working in a collaborative and community-focused environment. I want to improve my ability to organize tasks efficiently, adapt to new responsibilities, and communicate effectively with both colleagues and community members. I also hope to strengthen my leadership, problem-solving, and time-management skills while learning how to apply my academic and research background in a practical professional setting. In addition, I would like to expand my professional network and gain experience that will support my long-term career growth.