I am in the midst of putting some applications in for different programs in Higher Education. It seems like I just did all this for the MPA program here at ASU, and the others schools to which I applied. It was just a year ago, but I forgot how much work applications were. There are so many different things I have to get in order, from recommendations, personal statements, ordering transcripts, submitting a resume, sending GRE scores...and not to mention each school want something just a little bit different, which makes it even more stressful. Needless to say, that is what I'm committing my time to this weekend, and probably for most weekends for the next month or so.
Despite the hard work, I'm excited that I have made the decision to go in a route that will be more interesting and satisfying to me. I've been doing a lot of research on these programs, and I'm hopeful that next fall I will be enrolled in the right program at the right school :)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Youth Ambassador Program
So Phoenix Sister Cities has what is called a Youth Ambassador Exchange Program (YAEP) where we send sophomores and juniors to one of our 9 sister cities for three weeks over the summer. While the students are there they stay with a family and experience that country's culture. After their three weeks abroad, the students then come back to Phoenix and host a Youth Ambassador from the other country here in Arizona for three weeks. I think this is a really cool program and such a good opportunity for high school students.
However, I'm not in high school and so the exciting aspects of the program are not for my enjoyment. Instead, I have to do little things here and there that can only be described as a little bit frustrating. I don't do much work at all with the YAEP program, that is another intern's responsibility, and she always has so much work to do! The marketing for the program has begun and applications are due at the beginning of December, so that intern is always busy.
The other interns and I are supposed to be helping out with the marketing for the program as well, by signing up to contact different high schools regarding how to get information to the students about the exchange program. It sounds easy, but the only thing is that the high schools I've contacted haven't gotten back to me. So this morning I went to the high schools in person to drop off some information. After being redirected to a district office to get approval for disseminating information and after leaving the papers with people who say they will get the information to the right contact, I can only hope that someone calls me back and that the students are informed about the program. Our boss ideally wants us to set up a time to go speak to students at the school, but the only problem is that we can't do that unless we get permission, and we can't get permission unless we can talk to someone. So, given that the application deadline is just about a month away, it is frustrating trying to get the information out there when there isn't much to work with and little time to do so. Hopefully we'll get enough interested students to apply in the next few weeks though -- that is all we can hope for.
However, I'm not in high school and so the exciting aspects of the program are not for my enjoyment. Instead, I have to do little things here and there that can only be described as a little bit frustrating. I don't do much work at all with the YAEP program, that is another intern's responsibility, and she always has so much work to do! The marketing for the program has begun and applications are due at the beginning of December, so that intern is always busy.
The other interns and I are supposed to be helping out with the marketing for the program as well, by signing up to contact different high schools regarding how to get information to the students about the exchange program. It sounds easy, but the only thing is that the high schools I've contacted haven't gotten back to me. So this morning I went to the high schools in person to drop off some information. After being redirected to a district office to get approval for disseminating information and after leaving the papers with people who say they will get the information to the right contact, I can only hope that someone calls me back and that the students are informed about the program. Our boss ideally wants us to set up a time to go speak to students at the school, but the only problem is that we can't do that unless we get permission, and we can't get permission unless we can talk to someone. So, given that the application deadline is just about a month away, it is frustrating trying to get the information out there when there isn't much to work with and little time to do so. Hopefully we'll get enough interested students to apply in the next few weeks though -- that is all we can hope for.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Public Transit Meeting
This week has been full of meetings. Not only did we meet with Parks and Rec on Monday, but we met with a manager from the Public Transit Department yesterday. During this meeting the other interns and I learned nothing about transit. Instead, the manager we spoke with was so cool and laid back, we spent almost an hour and a half just talking about her experiences, what we wanted to do with our lives, how its OK that we don't really know, etc.
Like I said before, the best part about these shadowings is meeting people who genuinely want to help you and hear about your ambitions (and they always say how normal it is to not have a career set and in place). Basically, its so reassuring to meet such friendly people who want to make your experience with the city an enjoyable one. The manger we met with in the transit department kept saying we could call her and talk about careers anytime and she would help us in any way that she could, because when she was an intern people did that for her and now she's paying it forward.
So while these meetings have nothing to do with my actual internship at Phoenix Sister Cities, I learn so much from the people who take the time to talk with us, and it has been my favorite thing about my internship experience!
Like I said before, the best part about these shadowings is meeting people who genuinely want to help you and hear about your ambitions (and they always say how normal it is to not have a career set and in place). Basically, its so reassuring to meet such friendly people who want to make your experience with the city an enjoyable one. The manger we met with in the transit department kept saying we could call her and talk about careers anytime and she would help us in any way that she could, because when she was an intern people did that for her and now she's paying it forward.
So while these meetings have nothing to do with my actual internship at Phoenix Sister Cities, I learn so much from the people who take the time to talk with us, and it has been my favorite thing about my internship experience!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Parks and Rec Meeting
On Monday two of the other interns and I had a shadowing meeting with the Head of the Parks and Recreation Department with the city of Phoenix. I think I mentioned before that our intern supervisor tries to set up 3 to 5 of these shadowing opportunities for us during our time at the internship. This was the second shadowing experience for me.
The meeting was really cool. The two people we met with were extremely nice, welcoming, and helpful. They talked about their own experiences and what led them to their careers within parks and rec. They also gave us their cards and told us to contact them with any questions we may have relating to parks and rec, career choices, or anything at all. Even though I'm not too interested in working with the Parks Department, its really nice to go into these meetings and see how nice city employees are, and see how they are so willing to help interns out in their time of learning and searching.
One thing that really resonated with me was the Head of the Department's description of what makes Phoenix attractive. He said, "The beaches of Phoenix are our mountains." I thought this was a cool description, and so accurate. Maybe the dessert mountains aren't for everyone, but I have definitely come to love them, and they really are the beaches of Arizona :)
The meeting was really cool. The two people we met with were extremely nice, welcoming, and helpful. They talked about their own experiences and what led them to their careers within parks and rec. They also gave us their cards and told us to contact them with any questions we may have relating to parks and rec, career choices, or anything at all. Even though I'm not too interested in working with the Parks Department, its really nice to go into these meetings and see how nice city employees are, and see how they are so willing to help interns out in their time of learning and searching.
One thing that really resonated with me was the Head of the Department's description of what makes Phoenix attractive. He said, "The beaches of Phoenix are our mountains." I thought this was a cool description, and so accurate. Maybe the dessert mountains aren't for everyone, but I have definitely come to love them, and they really are the beaches of Arizona :)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
First Committee Meeting
So Phoenix Sister Cities has 9 different sister cities throughout the county. Each of these cities has a committee here in Phoenix that meets on a monthly basis to promote that city here in Arizona. These committees do a lot of different things, but basically they are a connection between Phoenix and the Sister City.
Last night I attended my first committee meeting, which was with the Calgary, Canada Committee. It was a very informal type of meeting, held at a Bar and Grille. The members ate, drank, and discussed the meeting agenda. I won't get into specifics of the meeting, because the most interesting part of the experience was today when one of my supervisors talked to us interns about what we thought of the meeting. The main point we all brought up was how informal it was compared to other Phoenix Sister Cities meetings. Apparently the chair of this committee wants to keep the Calgary meetings very informal and social because last year the committee had barely any members, no one wanted to do anything, and the committee was on the verge of becoming an inactive committee. So, his approach has been to ease people back into the meetings in a fun way, that will encourage people to get more involved.
Before our supervisor explained this to us, the interns and I were a little confused about why it was so casual. But having the explanation behind it, I think the chair of the committee has a really good way of going about business. Maybe its not the most efficient committee within our organization, but as we're waiting for life to be brought back into it, I think its alright that the committee is still a little informal and inefficient. If people are interested and things are getting done, it seems that it will just take some time to get back to the place where the committee used to be.
So, while I was sitting in the meeting I didn't feel like I was learning a lot - it felt like a group of people getting together rather than a formal meeting. But, having the explanation behind it after the fact, I actually learned quite a bit!
Last night I attended my first committee meeting, which was with the Calgary, Canada Committee. It was a very informal type of meeting, held at a Bar and Grille. The members ate, drank, and discussed the meeting agenda. I won't get into specifics of the meeting, because the most interesting part of the experience was today when one of my supervisors talked to us interns about what we thought of the meeting. The main point we all brought up was how informal it was compared to other Phoenix Sister Cities meetings. Apparently the chair of this committee wants to keep the Calgary meetings very informal and social because last year the committee had barely any members, no one wanted to do anything, and the committee was on the verge of becoming an inactive committee. So, his approach has been to ease people back into the meetings in a fun way, that will encourage people to get more involved.
Before our supervisor explained this to us, the interns and I were a little confused about why it was so casual. But having the explanation behind it, I think the chair of the committee has a really good way of going about business. Maybe its not the most efficient committee within our organization, but as we're waiting for life to be brought back into it, I think its alright that the committee is still a little informal and inefficient. If people are interested and things are getting done, it seems that it will just take some time to get back to the place where the committee used to be.
So, while I was sitting in the meeting I didn't feel like I was learning a lot - it felt like a group of people getting together rather than a formal meeting. But, having the explanation behind it after the fact, I actually learned quite a bit!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Career Services Meeting....Decisions, Decisions
A few weeks ago I made an appointment with a career advisor to discuss some different things relating to jobs as well as masters programs. I am currently a masters student getting my MPA, but have taken this semester off from classes (except this internship class) to reconsider whether or not this program is the right fit for me and what I want to do. I always thought non-profit or government work was what I wanted to do, but the more I think about it the less I can see myself in that professional environment.
Even before I applied to this masters program I was considering going into educational administration and getting a degree that would prepare me for working in Higher Education on a college campus. At the time I didn't do enough research around those programs and chose to go the MPA route instead. But upon completing my first semester and getting into this internship, I still stand in the place where I'm not sure an MPA is a degree that I'm passionate about nor a degree that will prepare me for the type of work I want to do.
Don't get me wrong, I think very highly of ASU's program and have had nothing but great classes, teachers, and a a great overall experience. And, my internship isn't horrible either, it's just not work I can see myself doing on a daily basis. Despite my good experiences, I'm just in a place where I want to find a program and a career that will make me happy and give me fulfillment.
So, my meeting with the career counselor went well because we discussed programs in Higher Education, jobs in that field, those programs vs. an MPA, and different websites and research I can do to help make a decision. After doing some of that research, I have found that a masters in Higher Education Administration may be a better fit for me. Education is something that I've always felt strongly about, and after my years as an undergrad I began thinking that those four years of college were the best and most transformative years of my life thus far. I think that college is one of the best opportunities available to young adults these days. Working with students on a college campus, helping them navigate the ropes of college life is something I think I would be really great at, because I know how important education can be, especially higher education.
So, my visit with the career counselor put a few things in perspective, and was very helpful because he shared with me his experience and how he got to be in his position within Higher Education. While I haven't completely ruled out an MPA, I have given the Masters in Higher Education some attention I should have given it a couple years ago. I don't want to stay in a program that I'm not excited about; I want to follow the path that will make me excited to get up and go to work in the morning. Don't we all? I think it's important to step back sometimes and ask ourselves what it is we want, and that is what this semester has allowed me to do.
If there's anyone out there who is getting their MPA or wants to get their MPA, if you could share what it is about the program that interests you and what you hope to do for a career one day, I would love to hear it. Hearing the interests and aspirations of others really helps me get a feel for what options are out there and what I can and can't relate to. Thanks!
Even before I applied to this masters program I was considering going into educational administration and getting a degree that would prepare me for working in Higher Education on a college campus. At the time I didn't do enough research around those programs and chose to go the MPA route instead. But upon completing my first semester and getting into this internship, I still stand in the place where I'm not sure an MPA is a degree that I'm passionate about nor a degree that will prepare me for the type of work I want to do.
Don't get me wrong, I think very highly of ASU's program and have had nothing but great classes, teachers, and a a great overall experience. And, my internship isn't horrible either, it's just not work I can see myself doing on a daily basis. Despite my good experiences, I'm just in a place where I want to find a program and a career that will make me happy and give me fulfillment.
So, my meeting with the career counselor went well because we discussed programs in Higher Education, jobs in that field, those programs vs. an MPA, and different websites and research I can do to help make a decision. After doing some of that research, I have found that a masters in Higher Education Administration may be a better fit for me. Education is something that I've always felt strongly about, and after my years as an undergrad I began thinking that those four years of college were the best and most transformative years of my life thus far. I think that college is one of the best opportunities available to young adults these days. Working with students on a college campus, helping them navigate the ropes of college life is something I think I would be really great at, because I know how important education can be, especially higher education.
So, my visit with the career counselor put a few things in perspective, and was very helpful because he shared with me his experience and how he got to be in his position within Higher Education. While I haven't completely ruled out an MPA, I have given the Masters in Higher Education some attention I should have given it a couple years ago. I don't want to stay in a program that I'm not excited about; I want to follow the path that will make me excited to get up and go to work in the morning. Don't we all? I think it's important to step back sometimes and ask ourselves what it is we want, and that is what this semester has allowed me to do.
If there's anyone out there who is getting their MPA or wants to get their MPA, if you could share what it is about the program that interests you and what you hope to do for a career one day, I would love to hear it. Hearing the interests and aspirations of others really helps me get a feel for what options are out there and what I can and can't relate to. Thanks!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Intern Bonding
So I've recently realized that I've failed to mention one of my favorite aspects of my internship...which is the other interns I get to see on a daily basis. It makes the job so much better when I can look forward to seeing the people in the office each day.
I'm originally from California and have lived in Phoenix for less than a year. I don't know too many people here in AZ, so it's nice to get to know people who have some similar interests. Last weekend a few of us interns got together for lunch outside of work, which I enjoyed a lot.
Basically, the point is that I'm not only getting good experience and something to put on a resume with this internship, but I'm meeting some quality people who are fun to hang out with, which makes it all that much better :)
I'm originally from California and have lived in Phoenix for less than a year. I don't know too many people here in AZ, so it's nice to get to know people who have some similar interests. Last weekend a few of us interns got together for lunch outside of work, which I enjoyed a lot.
Basically, the point is that I'm not only getting good experience and something to put on a resume with this internship, but I'm meeting some quality people who are fun to hang out with, which makes it all that much better :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
A Nice Relaxing Week
The last couple weeks at Phoenix Sister Cities have been a little out of the ordinary. The office is pretty small to begin with (3 full time employees and 4 interns). The executive director and deputy director were both gone on a trip to France, meeting with our sister city of Grenoble. They take about two outgoing trips like this per year. That means 2 out of 3 full timers were gone for the week (and the most important ones at that). So our days were pretty laid back and casual. We did some consolidating of offices, meaning we moved furniture and cabinets and things like that out of offices and into new offices. Manual labor type stuff. We also had nice longer lunches, and those left behind in the office got to know each other a little more.
I personally have enjoyed the laid back atmosphere around the office, without must to do and without much stress. We still had things to get done, but it didn't feel like it does when the big bosses are there. It was just nice to have a bit of a break :) Pretty soon it will be back to the norm.
I personally have enjoyed the laid back atmosphere around the office, without must to do and without much stress. We still had things to get done, but it didn't feel like it does when the big bosses are there. It was just nice to have a bit of a break :) Pretty soon it will be back to the norm.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Meeting with the Executive Assistant to the City Manager
So last week on Wednesday, two of the other interns and I had our first shadowing experience. What that means is that the intern coordinator at Phoenix Sister Cities works really hard to get us great experience outside of our every day work. Based on what we've told him about our career interests, he sets up meetings for us to learn more about that topic from someone in the field.
This first shadowing was just a general shadowing experience that he sets up for all his interns; it was with the Assistant to the City Manager of Phoenix. She was so friendly and welcoming and she talked to us for 45 minutes about what she loves about her job, how she got there, what she does on a daily basis, etc.
The one thing I took away from what she said though had little to do about her job with the city of Phoenix. She told us that we shouldn't think of a career as just one ladder, but multiple ladders branching out from each other. If we set our sights on one ladder and what it takes to get to the top, then we'll miss out on all the other opportunities that we could have had, had we not been so focused on one goal. Basically, she told us that it's alright that we are unsure of what we want to do in life (which all three of us are); simply having an internship and getting that experience will show us more about what we do and don't want, and will open up new possible ladders to explore.
It was comforting to hear this, because lately I've been stressing over the fact that I really don't have a path planned out and a career that I know I want to achieve upon graduation. But after this shadowing experience I am a little bit more at ease, trying to tell myself that I am making good strides and not everything needs to be planned out. It's comforting to know that a job doesn't have to turn into a lifelong career; I can chip away at different things, hop from one ladder to the next, and eventually find the place I am meant to be.
This first shadowing was just a general shadowing experience that he sets up for all his interns; it was with the Assistant to the City Manager of Phoenix. She was so friendly and welcoming and she talked to us for 45 minutes about what she loves about her job, how she got there, what she does on a daily basis, etc.
The one thing I took away from what she said though had little to do about her job with the city of Phoenix. She told us that we shouldn't think of a career as just one ladder, but multiple ladders branching out from each other. If we set our sights on one ladder and what it takes to get to the top, then we'll miss out on all the other opportunities that we could have had, had we not been so focused on one goal. Basically, she told us that it's alright that we are unsure of what we want to do in life (which all three of us are); simply having an internship and getting that experience will show us more about what we do and don't want, and will open up new possible ladders to explore.
It was comforting to hear this, because lately I've been stressing over the fact that I really don't have a path planned out and a career that I know I want to achieve upon graduation. But after this shadowing experience I am a little bit more at ease, trying to tell myself that I am making good strides and not everything needs to be planned out. It's comforting to know that a job doesn't have to turn into a lifelong career; I can chip away at different things, hop from one ladder to the next, and eventually find the place I am meant to be.
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