USA: Josh Riebe
Program: UW Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program, Summer
Josh’s Major: Bachelor of Arts in Cartography & GIS and Human Geography with certificates in African Cultural Studies, Environmental Studies and German
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
It was so refreshing to be in an area with so many people of color, especially so many Black people.
The experience confirmed and narrowed my professional trajectory.
Describe your internship, research, or fieldwork and how the experience helped advance your career or studies.
I interned for the Maritime Administration, making maps and other map-based tools for their Office of Maritime & Intermodal Outreach. The experience helped me to get my foot in the door at USDOT, where I hope to work in the future, and opened my eyes to ports and waterways, and how disconnected ports seem to be from larger planning initiatives and measures.
What message or advice do you have for students considering going abroad? What’s something you know now that you wish you had known then?
Go do it, especially if it has a course or something that counts for your major/certificate.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
Watching FC Bayern Munich and DC United play at Audi Field.