Chaz Young ’21 has held a variety of marketing and political internships to help him explore his interests and career opportunities. A double major in communication and criminal justice with minors in politics and government, and digital media and journalism, Chaz is currently completing an internship with the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) where he is assisting State Representative Roland Lemar (D-96) and the legislature’s Transportation Committee.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to further my experience for working in the government,” he says. “I have an interest working in politics one day and am currently planning to attend law school in fall 2022.”
Despite the internship being fully remote, Chaz says he is getting the full experience. “I assist with bills that deal with transportation and I’m working closely with the state’s public transit system to make it better for riders.” Chaz is also responsible for drafting letters to constituents, attending committee hearings, writing summary briefs, researching issues, and assisting with various office duties.
In addition to the CGA, Chaz was a marketing intern for iHeart Media and has held internships with the New York City Mayor’s Office, the Manhattan, and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices, and was selected for internships with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
As an honors student, Chaz says he wants to pursue many different interests and careers after graduation. Eventually, he wants to serve as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and as a legal analyst for a major news network. He also hopes to become a filmmaker, actor, author, and he aspires to be the CEO or president of the New York City Transit Authority.
“I want to do all these different things within my lifetime because I know I can do it,” says Chaz. “It is not going to be easy, but with my determination and confidence, along with most importantly, my faith, I know I will conquer all my goals.”
Outside of academics, Chaz is a Red Cap, Community Service Scholar, and works as a student mentor and tutor for the Center for Student Success. He also serves as a mentor for the STRIDE class that focuses on mentoring mostly students of color by helping them to stay on top of their academic assignments and to take advantage of resources that are readily available. Chaz’s work with the Community Service Cohort has earned him a scholarship each semester. He is also a recipient of the Founders Scholarship the Hawk Success Scholarship, and the Humanities Scholarship
Chaz describes his experience at UHart as “life changing.” He says the support system and the professors in the College of Arts and Sciences has helped him become the person and student he always wanted to be. “Every course has contributed to my success, through all the lows and highs,” he says. “They’ve helped with my test preparation and writing, reading, and presentation skills. And with the confidence of not being scared to ask a question.”
Chaz advises incoming students to always push forward and never forget who you are.
Chaz Young , Communication, Criminal JusticeCollege will be hard, but you will rise above all the challenges you face and don’t let anyone make you feel small. You can’t be afraid of things, take it head on, and never give up.