Each summer at Career Explorations, interns are asked to write a journal entry detailing their internship experience. Some interns write about attending a memorable event such as an industry meeting or describe a meaningful conversations with an internship mentor, while others detail how the internship experience has affected future career or college plans. CE Staff select the most insightful entries and post excerpts here.
Congratulations to our Chicago winners, Patrick Sheehan and Ben Kogan!
Journal Entry Excerpt from Patrick Sheehan, Political Intern:
Politicians in the United States are looked upon for leadership in moments of distress. Politicians are elected, by the citizens, to represent the people’s best interest. To say that politicians affect the lives of citizens is an understatement; politicians can directly control the well being of the people it represents. That is why my internship with Alexi Giannoulias’ campaign is more than just a summer job; my work can change the path the United States takes.
My work consists of researching information on potential voters and calling the great citizens of Illinois to try and gauge which way they’re leaning in this upcoming election. Even though I am far from leading the Free World, all my work is directly sent to Alexi. If I make a mistake, that is one less potential donor or voter. If I succeed in persuading somebody that Alexi is the right choice for senator, or if my work leads to a donation, I know that I had an impact on the biggest senatorial race in the country.
It is still hard to believe that I am behind the scenes of a very important political race. If Alexi wins, the lives of Americans will change for the better and I will know confidently I had a part in that!
Journal Entry Excerpt from Ben Kogan, Architecture Intern:
I only truly began to understand my mentor Jim when I asked him why he became interested in architecture. Jim started at the beginning, explaining the roots of his interest—a modeling and woodworking class that he took in high school. Then, he described how that led to his time studying architecture at a University in Chicago.
But, it wasn't his words that told the story; it was his hands. He began explaining the countless late-night models he had built. His hands worked the air furiously, forming invisible walls, mullioned windows, and sloping roofs.
His eyes drifted away from mine and instead searched through the three-dimensional renderings on the office walls. His fingers explored the halls of the building sketches that rested along the paper.
My mentor's explanation showed me that architecture is about taking ideas and making them into something real, tangible, and complete.
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