Intern's International Experience Inspires Commitment

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - Can Alemdar’s childhood was anything but typical. Even though he was born in Virginia, he grew up in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. His transatlantic travels were the result of his mother’s job with the Associated Press. When he was 16, he moved back to the United States. Although he was officially a U.S. citizen, he returned as an exchange student, moving in with a family in Swinney Switch, Texas.

It was not long before Alemdar found his way to Corpus Christi, where he graduated from Carroll High School. He went on to get bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and political science from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Having broadened his world view at such a young age inspired Alemdar to give back by serving his community by pursuing a career in government. That is why he has chosen to return to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to attend graduate school and study public administration. His current academic pursuits have led him to City Hall, where he currently serves as an intern in the Planning Department.

“I have always been drawn to public service,” says Alemdar. “I would like to eventually work for the federal government, possibly in the State Department."

Alemdar is well on his way to accomplishing that goal. In addition to his current graduate coursework, he is the current secretary with the League of Women Voters. Additionally, he has worked as an intern for the State Department in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Census and has taken part in various political campaigns. He has managed phone banks, analyzed data and even campaigned door to door in local neighborhoods.

“Going door to door is kind of intimidating when you first start because you are walking up to someone’s home and you don’t really know what to expect,” said Alemdar. "It takes some getting used to.”

But Can Alemdar’s expectations for his own future are clearly what continue to motivate him to make the most of his time as an intern with the Planning Department.

“It is a great opportunity and I plan to take full advantage of it.”