This semester I had the opportunity to intern at Dress For Success of Southern Nevada. Dress for success is a nonprofit that aides women from 16-60 years old find employment, resume assistance, dress professionally for jobs and special events, mentoring and coaching, financial literacy, scholarships, and host beneficial events for clients. I was the client services intern, which means I am responsible for being a back up stylist, answering questions, answering the phone, contacting referral partners, scheduling appointments, outreach, and putting out any fires. At the beginning of the semester, I was unsure if I would like my internship since it wasn’t related to my psychology major. Regardless of my doubts, I tried to focus on the positive aspects of what I would be bringing to my internship. Such as my excellent communication skills, work ethic, people skills, empathy, problem solving techniques, and ability to adjust to any given situation. I believe I needed more experience in business, marketing, and communication classes in order to thrive as well as prior experience at a nonprofit. Early on I realized just how wrong I was, and was constantly reminded by the staff just how valuable I am and how much I am appreciated. I never believed I needed experience in the fashion department, since I live and breathe fashion. I think this internship will benefit my future career by helping me continue to develop my networking skills and public speaking. I have always struggled with public speaking, and have a tendency to stutter and have a tremble in my voice. My internship ties into my major of study, by connecting with clients, servicing clients, and being an unexpected support system for clients. I was not expecting to enjoy my internship as much as I do, but instead expected to be stuck in the office all day not doing any field work. My internship has helped boost my work ethic confidence, and has influenced me to turn my sights on the business industry. Now that I am at the end of my internship, even though I enjoyed the opportunity, I realized I am not interested in this particular career. I am not interested because of the constant changes in nonprofits, it’s like a revolving door of people always coming and going. I don’t like things that aren’t constant and stable, so because of this I could not see myself pursuing a career in the nonprofit field. In order to gain a secure position in this field, if I choose to pursue it, are excellent public speaking, flexibility, diversity training, proficient computer skills, ability to remain positive and sane, experience in working for a nonprofit, and a college degree to help inspire clients. Overall, I am so grateful for the experience and the numerous opportunities I was given by my internship! In the first picture below, that’s me at the Hancon convention we got invited to at the photo booth. The second picture is from the same event in the Venetia, that I found inspiring.
I have loved watching you gain so much confidence this semester. No doubt you're going to be very successful in your future! Can't wait to watch it unfold.