Public & Professional Writing Program, University of PIttsburgh
April 2008

When I began my internship with the Public and Professional Writing Program at the University of Pittsburgh, I didn’t have expectations—or so I thought.

The truth is, in both of my previous internships, my responsibilities were clearly spelled out and my activities were very much pre-planned. However, this style of management is not a universal norm, as I found out this semester. I think this is an important lesson that every college graduate should learn before going out into the work world: how workplaces can operate differently and how that can make a difference to workers.

In some companies the focus is on efficiency and the end result. These companies operate with fixed agendas, and rely on formal rules and communications. In my previous internships I had my own work space, where I was expected to be found every work day from 9 to 5. Every morning I checked in with my internship coordinator to give an update of my progress, and never had more work than I could handle.

However, this semester I worked like a freelancer out my apartment. Jean and Pam gave me assignments separately in variable increments depending on what they needed done at the time. With no fixed agenda, it was up to me to keep myself on track. Some people love this type of independence, but it was hard for me, and I encountered difficulties.

For instance, I initially scheduled regular internship work hours into my week, thinking that I could treat the internship itself like another class. However, this didn’t work out at all as I didn’t have a steady flow of material to work on. I had the added difficulty of finding an effective place to do work. I needed a clean, quiet, lighted workspace, with good cellular reception and a reliable internet source. My entire apartment was a mess, and my internet connection was unreliable, but cell phone use is not permitted in the Writing Center or in the campus computer labs, and I don’t get service in the Cathedral.

Ironically, towards the very end, I started getting the hang of it. I cleaned my room and rearranged my desk space so that I could efficiently do work there (previous to this it was mostly used as a trash can). I’m grateful for this internship opportunity because I have learned so much about myself. I’ve developed organizational strategies that should help keep the stress level down. To work efficiently, my workspace must be tidy and well lit. I also find it easier to focus when I have a routine (plus a large supply of coffee), and that I am a morning person, contrary to what I had always believed.

During the term, I created flyers, updated the internship guide and service-learning guide, worked on newsletter articles and compiling information for the newsletter, updated the alumni database, and planned teh end-of-term event.