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Profile
of Vera Dorosh, Intern, Center for East European Studies, University
of Pittsburgh, 7/07
by Casey Buxton, PPW/Writing Center Publicity Intern
 Vera
Dorosh is a graduate of Westminster College with a degree in English.
She loves to write stories, experiment with decorating, and speaking
in front of groups. She also loves the university atmosphere, and
therefore sought a job at the University of Pittsburgh.
As a Pitt employee, she decided to challenge herself, and her writing,
by completing the Public and Professional Writing Certificate. She
created an internship at the Center for Eastern European Studies
once she found out that her co-worker’s leave of absence left
additional responsibilities around the office, including working
on the newsletter and conducting extensive research. After securing
approval from her supervisor, Vera explored the uncharted internship
with creativity and determination.
Working primarily on her own, Vera set her own schedule and tackled
projects independently. She spent most of her time researching the
new website software program that the Center uses; in addition to
her research, Vera set up meetings and ensured that the website
was properly maintained and consistent regarding style, content
and layout. Finally, she created a substantial and coherent first
draft of the Center’s newsletter to present to her co-workers.
“My routine is very different every week, but I remain busy
and feel challenged,” Vera remarks. And although she enjoyed
the relaxed atmosphere of the office, she learned that she would
have appreciated a little more structure and supervision. Regular
feedback is important to her and she has learned to solicit a response
from her supervisor--rather than wait for it.
At the end of her internship, Vera believes that the long, unpaid
hours were worth her time because the experience will ultimately
advance her career into the future. She enjoyed her coworkers immensely
and appreciated her time with “a genuinely intelligent, nice
and supportive staff.”
After completing the PPW Certificate, Vera hopes to teach at the
university level and spend her free time writing, painting, and
enjoying life with her soon-to-be husband.
Vera’s advice to interns: Be aggressive. The employer will
see that you are eager to please, and enthusiasm is great on a reference
letter.
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