My program manager and I are the only ones working on this program so I had a lot of opportunities for growth and to take initiative. I have created budgets and for CoSA’s funds for sustaining the gardens, attended meetings alone and in a group to represent the interests of GSA, provided language and statistics about my program for grant writing, evaluated incoming grants applications, and suggested ways of allocating grant money. Additionally, I have been the point of contact for approval, negotiation, and completion of thousand-dollar projects initiated by our garden stewards. I have also created lesson plans for SAWS workshops, educational signage for our Demonstration Garden, and social media content to advertise and generate interest in our programs. I’ve learned much about flexibility, adaptability, and believing in one’s ability to succeed in something new. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and a look into land trusts, environmental non-profit, and working in city government.
What I wish was different
At times I wish I had a little more management. Because my program manager was part time, we were the only ones working on our program, and the person above her was the Executive Director, there were many times where I had to wait for the next step to be confirmed or to even know what the next step was. I filled this time with projects I figured needed to be done to support the larger projects that were in the works but it did get a little overwhelming when it felt that there were too many big operations going on for an intern.
Advice
Definitely be ready to both have a lot of things to do and be a little confused about what there is to do next.
