Internship: MentorPrize
Term of Participation: Fall 2018
What was your role during the internship?
I worked as the Operations and Community Engagement intern for the youth-serving non-profit, MentorPrize. This organization partners with other organizations to recruit, train, and place quality mentors and similar volunteers based on the needs of each organization.
How did your internship influence your career goals?
This position helped me familiarize myself with youth development and intervention efforts in the nation’s Capital. By meeting with partners and attending community events, I immersed myself in the city and often worked directly with youth and community members. Now, I work in D.C. and MentorPrize is one of my current job’s partners and continue to work with them.
What is an exciting memory from your time in D.C.?
I helped plan and coordinate a fundraising event with an 80s theme. I learned how fun and creative development can be. With everything from youth performances to jello shots for guests, and a giant Pac-Man game machine, it was a lot of fun, and very successful!
Aside from interning, the East Coast has a lot of travel opportunities. NYC is four hours away, and I bought a $70 plane ticket to Boston, for example. Also, Shenandoah National Park is a two-hour drive away.
How did living in Washington, D.C. change you?
I got an amazing, humbling, and insightful experience of how different life can be in other areas – but also how similar very different people can be.
What kind of opportunities did the internship lead to?
I was able to use my experience to obtain a job in D.C. right after graduation.
What advice do you have for future students?
I would have a solid housing plan for your return, like the Village or on-campus. Also, buy your parking pass (if you need one) way before the summer, even if you pay for a quarter you won’t be there. My off-campus housing plans fell through during the fall, and it was a scary situation to be in, unfortunately.