Working at Black Mountain Institute has showed me what I can aspire for in a job; to work in fun, welcoming, and productive environment doing things that I love to do, while also getting paid decently well. Seeing something like BMI and knowing that there are positions dedicated to running organizations like this give me hope for my future aspirations.
BMI ties directly with my studies as it is an institute dedicated to helping writers succeed through fellowships, graduate assistantships, events, asylum seekers etc. BMI’s scene is more focused on creative writing styles, and even though I am not a creative writer, working alongside the GAs has shown me some of what it takes to create a thesis or publish.
Again, even though I am not a creative writer, I think creative writing students pursuing the English degree would gain a lot from this as BMI is dedicated to helping creative writers. All the GAs and PhD students are pursuing creative writing. Even as a literary English major, I learned a lot from them, so I could only imagine if I was interested in pursuing creative writing in the long-term.
I think if one has experience with helping people in a variety of capacities, they’d be ready to some extent to work at BMI. You need to be able to network and enjoy reading. BMI is dedicated to helping writers, so you have to have some type of passion in enjoying helping others succeed in their writing endeavors.
BMI is so relaxed and fun, I would just say roll with it. Talk to the people that come in and get to know them. They have all kinds of stories and advice that they’re willing to give. Additionally, I will say get to know Lynn, I would solidly say she’s my #1 supporter in this office.
Hi Patrice! I am glad to hear you have had a wonderful experience with your internship site! I appreciate you emphasizing the importance Black Mountain Institute’s connection with the English department. I may not be an English major myself, but it is important that there are campus resources where people are able to gain and expand upon the skills they are obtaining through their major. From your reflection, I know that Black Mountain institute wants to create a positive environment on campus supporting students through internships and events. Many people assume that their career/job/field experience must be serious, but it is nice to see you had fun and were in a good environment. I hope people are interested in this internship opportunity, read your reflection, and consider applying to this!