Research, Evaluation & Conference Operations Intern, Fathers in Focus Conference - SoHE Majors Only
About this Internship:
The Human Development and Relationships Institute (HDRI) at the UW–Madison Division of Extension is seeking an Undergraduate Research, Evaluation & Conference Operations Intern to join the team behind the 2026 Fathers in Focus Conference.
This is more than an event internship. You'll become part of a collaborative team that uses research and evaluation to understand the impact of one of the nation's fastest-growing conferences dedicated to supporting fathers, families, and communities. You'll help collect and analyze data, improve participant experiences, contribute to a professional evaluation report, and present findings to Extension leadership.
The Division of Extension’s Human Development and Relationships Institute (HDRI) promotes the development of resilient individuals, families, and communities across Wisconsin at every stage of life through meaningful community collaborations and research-based education. Our programs empower families to become more financially aware, promote aging-friendly environments, coach effective parents, and help families to thrive.
Eligibility and Qualifications:
1. Student in the School of Human Ecology (SoHE) and enrolled in one of the 7 SoHE majors.
2. Have at least junior standing (54 credits completed prior to the internship).
3. Have completed the prerequisite course, INTER-HE 202, and additional coursework identified below if applicable.
_____a. Community & Organizational Development: N/A
_____b. Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies: Cnsr Sci 257
_____c. Human Development & Family Studies: N/A
_____d. Interior Architecture: DS 322
_____e. Personal Finance: Cnsr Sci 275
_____f. Textiles & Fashion Design: N/A
_____g. Design, Innovation & Society: N/A
4.Curious and eager to learn.
5. Interested in making a positive impact through research and community engagement.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:*
Throughout the internship, you'll gain hands-on experience in:
- Program evaluation and applied research
- Data analysis and storytelling with data
- Conference planning and event operations
- Project management
- Professional communication and public presentations
- Collaborative teamwork in a statewide organization
- Community-engaged scholarship
- Mentorship from Extension professionals
- Explore career pathways in nonprofit leadership, public service, higher education, community development, evaluation, and research
- Organized and able to manage multiple projects.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
- Detail-oriented and willing to learn new systems and technologies.
- Interested in using data to tell meaningful stories.
- Has experience with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Qualtrics, or survey software is helpful but not required—we'll help you build those skills
Position Summary/Job Duties:
As a member of the Evaluation and Registration Team, you'll work alongside Extension professionals to:
- Review and analyze conference registration data to identify participation trends and opportunities for growth.
- Help refine the post-conference evaluation survey to ensure meaningful feedback is collected.
- Support conference registration before and during the event, helping create a welcoming experience for attendees.
- Assist with collecting, cleaning, organizing, and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data.
- Create charts, summaries, and visualizations that communicate conference outcomes.
- Contribute to the development of the annual Fathers in Focus Evaluation Report to be shared with stakeholders across Wisconsin.
- Help prepare and present evaluation findings during the HDRI December Institute Meeting and the Dean's Exchange.
- Participate in team meetings and collaborate with Extension Leadership and Conference Chairs.