The Intern Files: Notes from a Sophomore

This month’s internship adventure comes from UHPer and SPA Sam Lewis, who is already well into her second internship experience while at GW.
Something happens when you get to GW. Maybe it’s the city, maybe it’s the Honors Program, or maybe it’s all of those cupcakes from Baked and Wired–but something in your brain demands MORE.
At some point, the thought of getting an internship crossed my mind, at which point my brain started to scream, “FIND ONE. FIND ONE NOW.” And so, to quiet my annoying inner voice, I began to search.
This was a quest for knowledge, experience, and validation that my field was the right choice for me. Now, As a first semester sophomore, I’m on my second internship. When your brain starts demanding you do more, and an internship starts to sound appealing, these nuggets of wisdom might serve you well.
How, oh how, do I find one?
You hunt! My first Internship was at the Center for International Environmental Law. Believe it or not, I found the ad in a paper. Look all around, at memos from your department, in newspapers, and definitely online. My second internship where I work now, Veracity Media, kept it simple and advertised on GWork. You should definitely make an account and check out what’s out there if you haven’t done so yet.
What were your internships like?
So. Freaking. Awesome.

• The Center for International Environmental Law(CIEL) was great because I learned how to simplify complex material into something easy for the public. I decided I wouldn’t go into environmental law because of it, but I learned a ton about human rights, international policy, and US Laws. The communication aspect was awesome, and it’s an experience I wouldn’t take back for anything.

• Veracity Media is my love. It’s the best internship EVER and I’m obsessed. I’m getting to work with amazing political campaigns and organizations, which is so much fun. I’ve been learning about advertising and search engine optimization here too. They’ve trained me in basic HTML, and are excited about all-things web. If you like politics, communication, advertising, and awesomeness, you should look into it.

Did they/do they pay?

• CIEL did not. I worked there about 15 hours a week as an unpaid intern, but was (cheesily) paid in experience. I got my paid job at Veracity because of my experience here, so it paid off in other ways.
•  Veracity, as I said before, does.

How often are you expected to work?
For both of my internships, I worked about 15 hours a week.
Were they worth the time and effort?
Beyond words, yes. Both of these experiences have been life altering. If you can find an internship, DO IT. Jump in all at once and soak up the awesome. I know I’m glad I did.