Early into my senior year at UMASS Amherst, I have been fortunate enough to have two internship opportunities that have not only related to my focus in Spanish and International Relations, but have also helped me develop confidence in my own abilities to handle such environments after I graduate in May.
My first internship came this past winter/spring at a non-profit organization named Verité, which operates out of Amherst. At Verité, I was a student researcher and aided in the development of reports that would, in turn, bring attention and support to workers that did not receive compensation worth the work that they were doing, and to illegal activity along the supply chains. With my research assisting companies as big as Green Mountain Coffee and Keurig, I knew what I was doing was important, which was fulfilling. I also felt that much more pressure coming from myself to not only perform what I was asked, but to thrive. I overthought my work and consistently questioned if it was sufficient to my supervisors, despite their constant reassurances that I was doing well. The environment around me was supportive, with coworkers offering guidance, and as much as I sought that guidance, I found it hard to believe that what I was producing was good enough. At the end of the internship, which spanned from December to May, I met with the intern coordinator to review my experience. Although I heard no differently while working, I was told of the glowing reviews given by my supervisors for the contributions that I had made, and how grateful the organization was for my assistance.
Looking back now, I can see that the work I was given was not a problem for me because the support I was given was incredible. My problem was myself; I was certain that my first time having responsibilities in an office would be a much tougher transition than what I went through, when I should have gone in on the first day with an open-mind. Had I known the whole time to simply let the work come to me, not overthink the directions I was given, and utilize the skills that got me the position, I would not have faced any adversity in my experience.
Looking back at the experience at Verité, I have nothing but gratitude for my coworkers for supporting me in a time where I found it hard to support myself. This allowed me to reciprocate the belief that I was valued, and that their support was not just empty words. Going forward, I know now that no matter what task I face, I know how to face it: with confidence. I would recommend for anyone contemplating an internship to seize it with pride, and as an opportunity to prove yourself, rather than let it be an obstacle in the way of the person you want to become. The person that you seek to be is within you, and if you need that proof (as it turns out that I did), there is no better decision to make than throwing yourself into a real world experience like an internship and being confident about it. And, as I have learned, do not feel discouraged if you do not have the confidence necessary at the beginning because you will have earned your opportunity for a reason; go and prove yourself from there.