Getting the Groove

This week marked my second week and my first full week of work! I am loving the foundation and all the people at it.

This week I have given numerous research and data projects for donors and different events. While not the most glamorous work, I've have learned time and time again that it is the little and least exciting things which helps the most. These tasks are the small cogs which make events and meetings possible, and I am more than happy to do this and be exposed to new things!

Also on Wednesday Dr. Bruce Charash, founder of Docs to Docks, came in to talk about his organization. Made as a commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative, Docs to Docks collects recyclable or unused medical equipment that would be discarded from hospitals and sends them to needy clinics in Africa. Dr. Charash told us stories and the way his organization is run. It is truly a great cause and an even greater idea. However, one point that I disagreed with Dr. Charash was in sustainability of the program. Yes, the deliveries to African hospitals can last up to two years and gives them critical equipment, but after those two years, what comes next? Does the cycle continue? Yes those shipments may save countless lives, but what about the lives once the supplies are exhausted? Some of these questions weren't answered.

I also got to hang out with the other interns and staff in the office. All the interns are great and it makes the experience much more enjoyable. As I have found out, a number of them know a lot of fellow Dickinsonians, and some of my good friends! Small world.

I can't wait to get into this internship more, I have a feeling some great stuff is about to come my way!

MH

P.S. Happy 5 months Shannon! :)

Back and it: Chasing the Dream

Hi All,

As you know, I took some time off from my blog. After churning out one post a week, I needed some time off. I did a lot of things in the time: saw my friends graduate, went to meetings, had fun with my housemates, went to a lake palace, and enjoyed my summer.

Now I have started my internship at the Clinton Foundation and I am back at it. Writing these blogs additionally help me remember every week of my internship; after a while things become a blur. I am not going to specific with what I do during my internship for confidentiality reasons, sorry!

My commute to work isn't the shortest. I have to take the commuter train in, take a subway and then walk to work. It's not bad, I actually enjoy it. My office is downtown and it seems really official to be working in downtown NYC! 

I started my week with two-day orientation. All 90 interns were gathered for the afternoon and we heard from all the different departments and what they do for the foundation. Additionally we met our fellow interns and supervisors for the summer followed by a wonderful welcome reception.

My week started off getting introduced to my team and getting oriented to the office and my work station. I have an incredibly experienced development staff and the foundation knows how to treat its interns right. I then proceeded with fundraising software training. I am getting acclimated to the system, and knowing this software should make me a more viable candidate in the job market!

Throughout the week we had one-on-ones with the staff of the department and got to know their backgrounds and experiences. I have to say, I am pretty sure one of the staff members can help me get a job, not kidding. They are all incredibly nice people too!

My fellow intern and I were given some initial tasks as well as shown weekly procedures we would have to do; I can't wait to get into the groove. On Friday there was an intern. Beside walking through the monsoon rain to get to the reunion, it was really cool to interact more with my fellow interns and those who worked there in the past.

This sounds like an excellent week to me! Oh, and I get to meet the President. No big deal.

MH