Internship at Women at Risk, Int'l
Kayla
Experience Information
Employer: Women at Risk, International
Job Title: Executive Operational Assistant
Major: International Relations
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Women at Risk, International (WAR, Int'l) is a non-profit organization that works in over 40 countries including the United States. The headquarters are in Wyoming, MI and there are three boutiques which sell products to benefit at-risk women. The organization was established to wrap circles of protection around at-risk women and children. Their main goal is to provide them with an opportunity to learn a trade that will give them the skills needed to live a sustainable lifestyle in their country whether that be here or abroad.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
As an Executive Operational Assistant or administrative intern, I helped with any tasks that the administrative staff needed help completing. I answered phones, researched other organizations, completed various projects, and supervised the Volunteer Center.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
As an organization that works with at-risk women, there are a lot of heartbreaking stories that I got to hear. This being said I gained a lot of skills in empathy through this internship. I also learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes operations of a non-profit organization.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship was really being able to get to know everyone at WAR, Int'l, both staff and volunteers. I was one of the interns that was there the most so I really got to know everyone there. There wasn't a day that went by that someone there didn't have a story to tell me. There were so many hugs on my last day!
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This internship has helped to better identify my passion. I learned that the non-profit world may not be the best fit for me as I want to be more directly involved in helping to address the issues of violence against women.