Program: Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program, Summer virtual
Gabriella’s Majors: Political Science and Gender & Women’s Studies Majors, Certificates in Public Policy and Gender & Women’s Studies
What is the moment you are most proud of?
The moment that I am the proudest of from this program is when I advocated for myself in a professional setting and made my mark as an intern. One example of this is when my team needed an invite for an international event that we were hosting, and I stepped up and asked if I could take on the task. I enjoy doing art in my free time, so this was a great opportunity for me to take skills that I have and apply them in the workplace. Additionally, my supervisor loved that I was taking the initiative to take on tasks that were not a part of my original position description.
Describe your internship and how it has helped advance your career or studies.
During my internship, I provided support for my team for several international events. I did this by preparing content for social media, creating promotional materials, and writing blog posts. Additionally, I helped update the membership application process and carried out an audit of 300 members of the organization. This experience helped advance my career because it not only gave me tangible skills that I can use in any job in the future, but also connected me with solid professional references. As for helping my studies, writing blog posts for this position taught me how to get my points across in my writing in a more concise way.
How will this experience benefit you in the future?
This experience will benefit me in the future because it taught me about so many career options that I didn’t even know existed. Not only this, but it also expanded my network and helped me connect with people who are working in DC. In DC, your network is crucial; this program helped me develop a solid network before I even graduate and connected me with the resources I need to succeed professionally.
What is your advice for someone considering this program?
My advice for someone considering this program is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. The summer WiW program goes by faster than you think, so you should make the most out of the time that you have. You worked hard to get into this program—it will help you develop both personally and professionally if you put in the time and effort to do so.
“In DC, your network is crucial; this program helped me develop a solid network before I even graduate and connected me with the resources I need to succeed professionally.”