By Megan Schwindler
I didn’t quite know what to expect from this internship. The guidelines were clearly laid out, the goals and objectives identified, and the mission statement stated in big, bold letters. But what did all that really look like?
The day-to-day operations varied. Some days I would spend editing and writing blogs, other days I would help set up for events and take photos. But no matter what I was doing I was always surrounded by friendly coworkers and approachable bosses. Working in a feminist office-setting has completely changed my perspective on job-hunting and the type of work environment I want to be in. Instead of applying for a wide array of jobs, I’ve focused on companies with women in leadership roles or companies founded by women. I’d like to say I would have been more conscious of this before this internship, but I can’t say that I would have. Working with strong feminists every day and having conversations with them has really opened my eyes to the inequities women face within the workplace and everyday life. It’s easy to live within your little bubble but talking to women with different experiences and ideas has really opened my eyes to the importance of feminism and an inclusive campus. Every facet of the Women’s Center is important. The events and programming celebrate our diverse campus and provide a safe space for students, the blogs serve to educate and inform, and the staff represents the Women’s Center’s ideals in and out of the office.
My time at the Women’s Center has taught me marketable skills that I can use in my future career. I’ve wrote and edited blogs for a diverse audience, managed multiple social media sites, taken photographs, promoted events and programs, and learned how to be a team player. The work that the Women’s Center does could not be done by just one person. If this internship has taught me anything it is the importance of communication and patience. With so many people collaborating and depending on one another to perform it can be frustrating when things fall through. But in the end, it always worked out. The events we held, the blogs that were posted, and the pictures littered on social media show that this was a successful semester. I’m so happy that I ended my undergraduate career working at the Women’s Center alongside such a wonderful staff and support group. Thank you all for a great semester!