One of the best things about interning at Invisible Children is the staff you get to work with. They give fabulous training sessions, they trust us and challenge us to do big things, and they’re just inspirational human beings in general. So I turned the tables on them to get their input on why they like having us around.
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In what capacity do you interact with interns in your role?
“I get to interact with our interns on a daily… no hourly, actually on a minute-by-minute basis. I oversee our team of five engagement interns. This means I’m responsible for training them on everything we do to communicate with supporters and donors.”
–Ananda Robie, Supporter Engagement Manager and Systems Administrator
“We collaborate ALL THE TIME on projects. Interns in the international programs department have a lot of autonomy and responsibility to meet deadlines. It is a great learning experience for how to be accountable in a professional environment.”
–Saskia Rotshuizen, Central Africa Programs Coordinator
Why do you love us? (Other than our humility…) What do you appreciate about what interns contribute?
“Our interns are our secret weapons. They’ve produced some of the best work Invisible Children has ever released.”
–Jessica Goldsmith, Web Developer
“Working with interns is one of my favorite parts of my job. Each intern group is so different, but they always infuse the office with a new burst of energy and enthusiasm that’s contagious. I don’t ask my interns to get lunch or make copies – they are the front lines of our organization and do a majority of communication with donors and supporters.”
–Ananda Robie, Supporter Engagement Manager and Systems Administrator
“Interns are essential to our teams. Their dedication, desire to learn and innovative ideas are what keep Invisible Children on the cutting edge of creativity.”
–Saskia Rotshuizen, Central Africa Programs Coordinator
“Interns bring fresh perspective and a refreshing energy. They bring ideas and life to this place. They do substantive work – like actual work, not pushing papers around. I appreciate that interns contribute their time, talent, brains, ideas, and their incredible spirit to the work we do.”
–Jessica Morris, Executive Assistant and Director of People Operations
What would you tell someone who’s thinking about applying?
“Just do it! I promise you won’t regret it. You’ll get a chance to meet new people, enjoy sunny San Diego, grow professionally, support an incredible cause, and of course be my new BFF.”
–Ananda Robie, Supporter Engagement Manager and Systems Administrator
“Go for it! Wherever you’re at – working, in a gap year of school, or not sure what to do next in life – an internship at Invisible Children can infuse your life with some purpose and enhance your skill set.”
–Jessica Goldsmith, Web Developer
“I started as a roadie, which is the equivalent of an intern, and it actually changed the trajectory of my life. You don’t get paid, but you’re getting an undeniably rich experience. You do real work. Real projects that make an impact. And it’s real fun to work and live with other interns as well. I am still best friends with some of the people I started with as an intern.”
–Jessica Morris, Executive Assistant and Director of People Operations
“If you are ready to work hard and play hard, this is the place for you. Welcome.”
–Saskia Rotshuizen, Central Africa Programs Coordinator
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