Carlos Mark Vera
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Pay Our Interns
Chicago, IL USA
“It’s the small habits that lead to the big results. It’s not about intensity; it’s about consistency.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationCarlos Mark Vera
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I started my career in Congress as an unpaid intern—I was interning 30 hours a week, working 20 hours a week, and taking five to six classes a week.
While working for Congress, I noticed that no one looked like me besides the janitor, yet these are the people making major decisions for the country.
I continued to gain experience and build my career in politics and government.
I realized that no one was fighting to expand paid opportunities for interns, so I quit my job and started Pay Our Interns in October of 2016.
While getting Pay Our Interns off the ground, I worked full-time as a server to pay the bills.
Now Pay Our Interns is the leading organization fighting to ensure that everyone has equitable access to careers paths through paid internships.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Political Science
American University
Political Science
American University
Career
Co-Founder & Executive Director
I lead an organization fighting to ensure everyone has equitable access to career paths through paid internships.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Politics
Entrepreneurship
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
My typical day consists of meetings with CEOs, elected officials, or chiefs of staff. I also spend time doing media interviews, reviewing policy, attending events, and writing opinion pieces.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I actually don't think there's one right path to get to where I'm at. For me, internships were most important in my career trajectory rather than what I majored in.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From undefined:
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Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Interviewed By
Changemakers
Meet the people building a better future
