DAUS is proud to have had four undergraduate students awarded an SPS Wasserman Center Internship Grant for Fall 2021. There were 41 applications and 22 recipients. The SPS Wasserman Center team reviewed and assessed applications using a rubric scoring system covering the following areas: 1) connection of internship to career goals, 2) internship learning objectives, 3) need for financial assistance, 4) quality of application and resume.
The DAUS awardees were Giulia Nagle (BA ‘22, Social Sciences, Psychology concentration), Carly Perlmutter (BA ‘22, Social Sciences, Media Studies concentration), Adry Rojas (BA ‘22, Social Sciences, Media Studies concentration), and Julia Smith (BS ‘23, Digital Communications and Media). We asked students to share a little bit about where they are interning and what they are working on.
Adry Rojas ‘22, BA in Social Sciences, Media Studies concentration
Big Hassle
My career goal is to work in the music industry. I love the industry so much that I want to know everything about it! That is why one of the goals that I set for myself before graduation was to get experience from different fields in the industry. Music publicity is the field in which I am most interested. Therefore I was really excited when I was offered this music publicity internship at Big Hassle. One of the main reasons I was so excited for this opportunity is because Big Hassle works for "baby artists," or artists who are just beginning their careers. I feel that when one works with those kinds of artists, it’s where you really have to work hard. Working for an artist who is already established is not the same as trying to build the image of an artist from scratch. I really wanted to get that perspective of working for artists who are in the early stages of their careers. What I also like about Big Hassle is that the work they give to interns is meaningful. An intern’s tasks directly impact the flow of the work with the artists. The internship is heavily based on research, which is an important skill to have wherever you go. As part of the internship, I research the latest developments in the music industry to contribute to new reports; I connect with journalists/writers to pitch new music releases; and I make updates to the company website utilizing Squarespace.
Giulia Nagle, ‘22, BA in Social Sciences, Psychology concentration
Youth Mental Health Project
I have been interning with the Youth Mental Health Project, an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of families and youth nationwide. As a development intern, I have researched numerous grant opportunities, analyzed data to determine donation patterns, and helped consolidate metrics from various platforms. Furthermore, I have developed many ideas for youth engagement and YMHP fundraising that will continue to be implemented through the spring. I have also led efforts to create youth, parent, and facilitator videos for this year’s campaign focused on the importance and dreams for the future of mental health.
It has been an incredible opportunity to work with a nonprofit like the Youth Mental Health Project. It has been my aspiration to take part in an organization whose focus is on emotional well-being. My ultimate goal is to work with youth in both the mental and physical health fields. My hope is for children, teens, and adults to know they are not alone, especially during difficult or vulnerable periods. My objective is to learn how to further foster safe spaces for children and young adults at an organizational level. Organizations like the YMHP are essential to help provide mental health resources and communicate coping strategies for people struggling with their mental health.
Julia Smith ‘23, BS in Digital Communications and Media
City Hall Park Conservancy
For my internship, I am creating a comprehensive brand and web design for the City Hall Park Conservancy. CHPC is a local non-profit organization focused on rejuvenating City Hall Park. As CHPC grows as an organization, it is crucial for them to have a strong visual identity to aid in communication and digital presence. I am thrilled to be creating this for them, as it allows me the opportunity to support a local non-profit while supporting my career goals in brand consulting. I receive feedback from the CHPC board as my client and work directly with Ellen Kahn, a creative I admire greatly. Getting to learn from her is invaluable. I know my work with CHPC will serve as a strong portfolio piece and I will be able to apply the skills I learn to my future projects!