We just opened up applications for our spring internships, and we’re getting excited to meet some new faces for next season. To give you an exclusive look at life inside the walls of Invisible Children, we want you to hear from Casey and Ashima, two of our fabulous engagement interns.
Our engagement team embodies the “work hard, play hard” mentality by calling hundreds of people every day and then celebrating successes with frequent dance parties. Engagement interns support our mission by thanking the donors that change the world with us. This position is crucial to the fundraising efforts of Invisible Children and provides a great opportunity to develop transferable professional skills. But we’ll let them speak for themselves:
What does a typical day look like?
“The day officially starts with a morning round-up in the Engagement pit while playing music to get us pumped for the day. Each of the Engagement Interns takes turns playing an hour of their own music, which helps keep the mood light and fun. We spend the first half of the day contacting our supporters, updating their donation information and answering any questions from calls that come in. The second half of the day is typically spent on Dance Marathon planning, which is a new campaign we’ve been testing out this fall with some of our top supporters.” –Casey
“Working both as an engagement and political advocacy intern, I feel connected to the progress Invisible Children makes on a micro and macro level. I help mobilize the youth by encouraging high school and college students to lobby with us. The variety of my role allows me to gain the experience I know will benefit me in the future, while continuing to motivate me as I interact with like-minded peers. One of my favorite parts of my job is working with these students, often as young as 15, while they take on the intimidating task of speaking to government officials. I don’t think I ever knew how much power I had at that age and I’m in awe of how confident and incredible our supporters are.” –Ashima
Best part of the job?
“My favorite part about working at Invisible Children is the people. Everyone is so energetic, passionate, and kind. The staff has gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome, which is something I really appreciate and think is rare. I’ve already learned so much from them, and they not only challenge me, but keep me smiling and laughing every day I’m here. I also get to work with some of our most dedicated supporters, and I’m so inspired by their drive and commitment.” –Casey
You live at the Roadie House with 14 other interns. How crazy is that?
“While it can sometimes be tough living in a house with so many people, I really like it because you get to know everyone at a level that goes beyond the typical work relationship. I love hearing about people’s stories, so it’s been really cool getting to know everyone and to see what it was in our lives that brought us to this same place. It’s also just incredibly fun– there’s always something going on in the house and people around to spend time with when you need a laugh.” –Casey
Anything to add about office culture?
“My favorite part of the office culture is that our dreams aren’t confined or boxed. We’re allowed to think that we can change the world, our ambitions are magnified and we wholeheartedly believe that one person can make a difference. This inspiration is reinforced by the staff who are equally knowledgeable and approachable.” –Ashima
“The office culture here really can’t be beat, and it’s part of the reason I wanted to work for Invisible Children in the first place. It’s a group of hard-working humanitarians, and it’s been so refreshing being a part of a community that cares so much about the lives and rights of other people. That being said, no one here loses sight of the fact that work should be fun. There’s so much positive energy to be found here, and I don’t think you can go longer than 10 minutes without hearing laughter or music blasting from somewhere within the office. We have so many quirky traditions, like push-up competitions and intellectual debates over life’s biggest questions. Needless to say, it’s a pretty great place to come to work each day.” –Casey
Engagement intern Casey Osgood
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about applying?
“Do it! It’s such an unbelievable experience, and you’ll grow both personally and professionally. It is such a unique internship in that you will have the opportunity to live with the people you work with, meet some of your future best friends, do work that actually makes a difference in this world, and constantly be surrounded by world changers and humanitarians. Apply – I promise you wont regret it!” –Casey
“On your first day as an intern, if you feel any jitters, they’re immediately displaced with warm smiles, hugs and a spirit of excitement that is unmatched by any other place I’ve worked. You can and will make a difference here, and you’ll continue on to do what you’re passionate about.” –Ashima
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