Search for Common Ground

Marketing Intern

May - July 2019 • Niamey, Tillabéri Region

What I liked

I highly enjoyed my first exposure to a corporation onboarding process as well as the individual projects I maintained. They were all based through a marketing goal, but the content was different for each case.

What I wish was different

If possible, I wish that I had more time to leave the office and gain field experience. Granted, I do not speak French or any of the native languages, but it would have been advantageous to see the fieldwork methods that I reported on being practiced.

Advice

Always keep an open mind about where an opportunity will take you.

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Policy and Advocacy Intern

May - August 2017 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Incredible exposure to the NGO sphere and congressional processes for International Relations matters. The team was supportive, encouraged me to network and take advantage of opportunities for growth, and the work was interesting.

What I wish was different

There wasn't a very well defined mentorship structure, which would have been helpful - I didn't feel that I connected very well with my immediate boss, but other team members were wonderful. It is also a lot of independent work because the organization is decentralized. It's also an NGO so return offers don't exist and positions only come up sporadically, but I wish they had that leeway because I would love to come back.

Advice

Go to the happy hours, they are a great way to form bonds with team members. Get coffee with as many of the employees as you can, because they all have really incredible stories and career paths. Don't be afraid to ask for leeway to pursue other part-time opportunities if they arise, because Search is very supportive of that.

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