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GlobalMindED actively invests in the growth and success of students. Internship programs are key to this commitment. GlobalMindED and partners like the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute and InternXL provide in-person and virtual opportunities. Both provide students with valuable real-world experience that complement classroom learning; develop professional skills, explore career paths, and build a personal and career network. If your organization offers virtual or in-person internships and would like to join the GlobalMindED Internship network, please email us.
Virtual Internship: Success Beyond the Screen
Meet Tanairis Garcia
Meet one of GlobalMindED's 2024 virtual interns, Tanairis Garcia. Tanairis is a rising Sophomore at Western Michigan University and a current Medallion Scholar, one of the University’s most prestigious merit-based scholarships. In addition to providing financial support, this program has allowed her the opportunity to work on a service project to reduce waste and fight climate change by promoting waste-free athletic events and educating campus students and faculty on how individuals and organizations can support climate change initiatives. Tanairis is also excited to have recently joined the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority. Since her experience with the Ronald Reagan Institute this summer, Tanairis hopes for an opportunity to work in Washington DC upon graduating in 2027 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science.
How has your experience as a GlobalMindED and Ronald Reagan Institute Intern helped you develop professionally and personally?
Remote internships are often underestimated for their lack of in-person interactions. However, my experience with GlobalMindED proved otherwise, offering invaluable experiences and going above and beyond in providing me with enriching skills and insights. As my first internship, it laid the foundation for success in all my future internships and endeavors. From the very first Zoom meeting, everyone was friendly, welcoming, and gracious with their time. I had the pleasure of working with a variety of experienced people.
In our first meeting, we were given individual projects. One of my projects was reaching out to students involved in our First-Gen Leadership Program to see how GlobalMindED could continue to help them develop professionally. This was challenging at first, as we had to work around the busy schedules of students. I quickly learned to change my strategy to connect with as many of them as possible.
From the start of the internship, it was clear that I would have the freedom to manage my own time, allowing me to create a schedule that suited my needs. This was important as I often had programming events during the workdays through the Ronald Reagan Institute. Initially, I was unsure how to create a productive yet flexible routine that would accommodate my other daily obligations. However, as the internship progressed, I found the right balance between work and personal time.
As the upcoming semester approaches, I reflect on my internship experience and realize I have learned valuable skills that I can take with me in all of my future endeavors. I feel confident in my ability to maintain a well-rounded schedule that fits my obligations and projects, while also maintaining a healthy life balance.
In addition to time management, my internship taught me valuable digital skills. In a world more reliant on technology, getting comfortable with using digital platforms creatively is extremely valuable. Throughout my internship with GlobalMindED, digital platforms like emails, messaging apps, and virtual meetings were our primary means of communication. Although I was familiar with these tools, using them daily allowed me to refine my skills. By the end of the internship, I became more efficient in digital communications and learned the nuances and eloquence needed for different platforms.
Alongside honing my digital communication skills, my research abilities improved significantly during the internship. Many of my projects involved exploring unfamiliar topics, with a focus on people-centered research. This experience broadened my understanding and enhanced my technical skills. Looking ahead, the knowledge I've gained will be valuable in future roles and projects, particularly in leveraging technology for research and analysis.
I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn from the people of GlobalMindED and for the access and connections I received through the Ronald Reagan Institute. I now have many more skills in my toolkit to apply to my next project or position.
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