Meet Juan. He loves music. In fact, he estimates that since high school he’s been to at least 600 live shows. He also spent four life-changing months in Spain. When he’s not standing in the middle of a crowd or dancing to the beat of the music, he’s using his innate understanding of social media strategy and public relations to ensure that our online presence is as effective as possible.
Juan is a member of our Communications Department which works to develop the strategy behind all of our campaigns, social media platforms, and other areas of public communication. I sat down with Juan to talk more about his time with Invisible Children. Here’s what he had to say:
What does a typical day as a Communications Intern look like?
My role at IC reflects a lot of the moving parts of the communications field. Which means, there are rarely typical days. For the most part, I begin my day answering questions and “concerns” through comments and messages on our social platforms.–engaging with our supporters/critics is the core of my internship. From there, my day gets pretty dynamic. I’ll spend a few hours on our PR database logging media placements, researching reporters and media sites, logging possible media opportunities, and finally approving/rejecting requests from major media to high school newspapers. While I do that, I’ll keep an eye on our social media sites to review any questions or comments. I then switch over to writing original content for what I like to call our culturally aware blog.
What’s one thing that you’ve learned at Invisible Children that you’ll carry with you after your internship is over?
No matter how simple a task can be, innovation and creativity is key. You don’t have to do things the conventional way.
What sets your internship apart from others and what impact are you able to make in your specific role?
As a communications intern, you truly have a say in the development and implementation of campaigns at Invisible Children. Even being involved in brainstorming sessions for social media pushes and long-term organization goals, you gain new perspectives of how the communications world functions and how crucial it is. After IC, I can say I had a part in rolling out large-scale and small campaigns from start to end. As an intern, you’re not left on the sidelines, you’re expected to think and work as a strategist, coming up with ideas that will propel the organization.
In one sentence, why do you love working for Invisible Children?
At times you’re pushed out of your comfort zone but you’re also surrounded by a community that’s not only invested in the cause but more than willing to invest in those around them.
What advice would you give a future intern?
It’s very easy to be overwhelmed by all the moving parts of the communications department especially when you’re the one representing IC on the web through social platforms, but it’s also important to remember why you’re doing it. Never take criticism personally and keep the end goal in mind. Interning at IC is such a unique experience so while you’re here fully invest in the work and the people. See the workload as an experience builder for what you want to do in life rather than a task– take ownership over what you do.
What’s your favorite part about living in San Diego?
I’ve lived in North County San Diego for most of my life so I’m enjoying re-exploring and visiting places I’ve always heard about in San Diego with all of the interns. North County is very different from the area we’re in now, so it still feels like I’m in a new place.
This is your second semester interning with Invisible Children. What were your reasons for coming back?
It honestly came down to having the opportunity to gain experience I probably wouldn’t have at another internship or even an entry-level job, with the added bonus of working toward social change. I’ve always been interested in strategy and Invisible Children gives you the opportunity to have input on projects. Also, it always comes back to the community built by those who work at Invisible Children.
What’s been your favorite memory so far?
Last semester: working MOVE:DC. This semester: rolling out the KONY 2012 anniversary campaign.
Great news. We’re looking for an inspiring individual like Juan to join us as our Communications Intern this summer. If you would like to learn more about how you can be a part of the team this summer, you can find a full job description and application on our website. The deadline to apply is this Friday, March 15th.
(Photo credit: James Um)
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