Charlotte was a Research and Evaluation Intern for the Missionary Training Center during Winter 2025.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
In our internship, we studied native English-speaking missionaries in international MTCs as they learned their mission language. We presented our findings to the MTC leadership and those who design the missionary curriculum in order to help them improve language learning in the MTCs.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
I was not expecting to learn such valuable interpersonal skills. I had assumed I would be coding and analyzing qualitative data (which was true), but I also had the chance to interact with missionaries and my fellow interns. I feel like I was able to genuinely serve missionaries and improve their experiences!
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
Because of my internship, I am now performing further qualitative research for the Church in South Korea. Someday, I hope to be employed by the Church.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
I followed inspiration to apply to this internship without knowing what I would receive. Because I underwent this internship, I was able to have a firsthand experience doing work for the Church. I realized what a positive environment it was, and I now have plans to be a researcher for the Church someday.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Yes, I would recommend this internship! It is amazing for anthropology majors and anyone else who wants to learn how to work with qualitative data. Most importantly, it is perfect for any student who wants to make a real difference in the lives of missionaries.
Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?
Being able to work with other students in an environment independent of normal homework is absolutely invaluable. You are able to draw your own conclusions and experience what the workforce is really like—and, in the MTC, what the most positive workplace is like!
