“Meeting with a career advisor was extremely helpful to me, as someone who had no prior experience in the professional world.”
As a Politics and Government major, Lila Wright sought an internship that related to their studies. With some guidance from a CES career advisor, Lila found a great opportunity to gain experience through an organization that aligned with their career goals and interests. Lila is now moving forward with new skills, new relationships, and a published policy brief to showcase their summer work.
Tell us about your summer internship.
I interned at a non-profit policy research institute, Policy Matters Ohio. The organization’s primary goal is to create a more vibrant, equitable, sustainable, and inclusive Ohio through publication of research done by its employees and participation in state and nation-wide public policy coalitions.
I had the unique opportunity to work under a mentor as a Digital Comms and Media Intern, learning how to translate research into more widely accessible language for the general public, and releasing it through Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and weekly newsletters. In addition, I was able to participate in weekly calls with Heartland Hype and a Dignity For All coalition meeting.
In the Ohio Statehouse, I attended a tax testimony, a reproductive rights press conference, and a Citizens Not Politicians rally against gerrymandering.
During the last month of my internship, I primarily focused on collaborating with a fellow intern to write a brief that advocates for increased public transit funding in Ohio, which is set to be published by Policy Matters Ohio in the next few months!
How has this experience impacted your ideas about your career path?
Participating in my internship at PMO has shown me that I am passionate about working in nonprofits and public policy research, because I learned how important the behind-the-scenes work is for social action efforts.
What’s next? What plans do you have for continuing your career development?
Going forward, I am hoping to find other chances to work in a nonprofit environment, and take advantage of any opportunity to speak with individuals in the Tacoma area who are doing similar research and work to the people who I worked with at PMO.
What CES resources have been most helpful to you?
Last year I was struggling to find a summer job that would cater to my academic interests and provide relevant job experience. I scheduled a meeting with Maya at CES to learn more about how to navigate job/internship opportunities and to find one that suited my interests and goals.
Meeting with a career advisor was extremely helpful to me, as someone who had no prior experience in the professional world.
What advice would you offer to other students about finding an internship that aligns with their goals and interests?
The most valuable part of my internship was the chance to chat and bond with coworkers, which allowed me to really consider what I might want in my future career endeavors.
If I had any advice to offer for other students looking for an internship, I would strongly suggest you find one that values the experience of the interns and prioritizes their education and experience, not only their technical skills.
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Not sure what’s next for your own career development? CES Career Advisors are here to help. Schedule an appointment today!
📷 Lila Wright | Collage by Kris Hay
