Joanne was a programs intern for Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute during Winter 2024.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) provides resources and advocacy programs for members of Congress about adoption and foster care. As a programs intern, I helped with preliminary research, drafting, organizing, fundraising, and other important steps to several CCAI programs. I helped streamline programs by researching new platforms and ideas for the programs coordinator. I also worked under the policy, communication, and development departments, working to write policy briefs, attending congressional hearings, creating fundraising documents for high-level donors, and drafting and implementing campaign ideas for one of CCAI's public involvement programs.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
I learned a lot about myself from my internship, which was not what I was expecting. I learned about what communication styles work best for me, my preferences on remote vs. in-person work, how I feel about macro vs. micro level social work, etc. I really grew personally and professionally, even though I did not anticipate the personal growth as much as the professional.
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
I plan to move out to Virginia after finishing my final classes this spring at BYU. My perspective and view on my own qualifications has grown because of my internship in Washington, DC.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
I truly learned my own potential and preferences for work. My internship helped confirm areas of strength I have as well as areas I can grow more intentionally in the professional sphere. For example, I felt a re-confirmation in my ability to quickly problem-solve even in a new domain of work. In this same realm, I know that I need to continue growing in my ability to ask for help when I do run into roadblocks, knowing that the people I work with have important information beyond my own understanding that they are ready and willing to share with me.
In my internship, I also learned about myself more generally. I experienced hybrid work, learning how I function in remote and in-person work settings. I also learned how to function on a small, non-profit team, truly learning about my collaboration skills and preferences. It was truly a very enlightening and intellectually engaging internship for me.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Yes. I cannot recommend this experience enough. The team value the internship experience, constantly helping interns work on projects that interest them. I was a programs intern, but I had the privilege of working on projects under every department. Additionally, this internship provides a unique ability to do meaningful work as the team at CCAI is small and extremely collaborative. I felt my work was truly meaningful to the team and our purpose. In every way, my expectations were surpassed. The team cared about my professional development, helped me learn new skills, willingly coached me through new areas, and helped me grow in every way I allowed myself to grow. It was an amazing four months that I would recommend in a heartbeat!
Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?
My team at CCAI said to pass along more BYU students! I want more people to learn about this incredible organization!
