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Diverse Experiences

Alex D. Muir '10 learned a few things about the world during his internship in Geneva, Switzerland.

For one: "I didn't think the world was watching American politics, but it is."

Muir worked last semester in the International Labour Organization's Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour.

His role, he said, was "a lot of legal research." It included reading reports and producing 30-page comparative analysis reports ensuring member states, which have agreed to improve national child labor standards and legislation, are adhering to the principles of various international treaties.

Muir is one of 41 students who completed credit internships through ILR Off-Campus Credit Programs during the fall semester.

Other students, in locations from Louisville, Ky., to Spain and Costa Rica, are working for corporations, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, trade unions and other entities. During the spring 2008 semester, 30 ILR students completed off-campus credit programs.

Muir was among 54 students selected from a national pool of 400 to work at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., last summer.

At the department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, he learned about regulations to prevent workplace discrimination.

While at ILR, Muir has also completed internships at the Queens County District Attorney's Office and with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters' Local 237.

At the district attorney's office, Muir worked with the grand jury division in an administrative support role.

At the Teamsters' local, he worked at the grassroots and boardroom levels observing shop floor proceedings, grievances, arbitrations and high-level strategic planning.

On campus, Muir is a vice president of Slope Media Group, a Cornell student organization. Muir did Slope video stories on Cornell President David Skorton, Gym Class Heroes' band members and Big Red basketball newsmakers.

As vice president of The LINK: Mens' Alliance, an organization supporting men of color on campus, he brought social activist Felipe Luciano to Cornell to discuss black and Latino relations in historical and contemporary issues.

This winter, as part of his Cornell Tradition Fellowship, Muir traveled to Jamaica for "Jamaica Difference," an international service project and initiative he co-founded with fellow ILR student Ebony Ray '10.

As a Cornell Winter Ambassador, Muir is returning to his inner-city high school to promote Cornell and tips to access higher education.

Muir's advice to students entering their first internship is straightforward: "Have a good attitude. Relax. You're there to learn. Listen to people when they talk to you."

Muir listened when he sought ILR career advice – as a freshman – from Harry Katz, the ILR School's Kenneth F. Kahn Dean. Muir asked Katz for a meeting.

"He told me to graduate with good writing skills," said Muir, who returned to campus this week with plans to focus this semester on finance courses and writing.

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