Opportunities are all around us, so the question is: will we
take advantage of the opportunities that we are given? At Hope College,
students have the ability to use different services that entail more than
academic help such as tutoring and advising. For example, one of my Leadership
classes this semester required me to take part in an internship. When I first
learned that I would be interning at an organization I was pretty nervous. I
wondered what kind of internship I could find within walking distance of campus
that would allow me to put into practice the things I am and have been learning.
Well, Career Services helped me find an internship that allows me to do both.
Located downtown Holland,
MI, The Holland Youth Advisory
Council works to expand leadership skills and community service opportunities
in the local youth. When I interviewed for this internship, I was expecting to
primarily focus on marketing and planning special events. However, this
internship has turned into so much more. Instead of sitting behind a desk all
the time, I have the opportunity (and privilege) to interact with high school
students on a regular basis. We plan events together, brainstorm ideas, talk
through problems, discuss college options (I of course suggest Hope), talk
about sports and extra-curricular activities, and laugh while drinking coffee.
While participating in the internship, I have learned some
valuable lessons that I know I will carry through life. Some of them are:
- Recognizing
ideas come in all different forms - Communication
styles differ between people - Balancing
the task and relationship dimensions in an organization is vital to
success - Self
reflection allows for growth - Differing
personality types add needed perspective
I strongly advise, not matter what your academic
classification is, to stop by career services and see what activities,
internships, or opportunities they have that you could get involved with. The
people who work there offer great advice and will always listen to any concerns
you might have about your selected major, your vocational calling, or what the
next steps are in pursuing a career.
Here’s a link to Career Services website along with the HYAC
website – just in case you would like to learn more about either one!