Summer Internship at The Good Deed Project

My internship at The Good Deed Project as an office coordinator showed me how nonprofits work, specifically the work needed into running one. My work experience is minimal, and my internship has taught me about the workforce and the professional world. For instance, I was used to my professors giving me an assignment and telling me the requirements needed to get an A. However, I learned that does not always apply to the workforce. Sometimes, there are no clear requirements to complete a task, and you must know how to figure it out yourself. Thus, I have become more independent and confident in my skills because I cannot always have someone telling me to do things step by step. I have to take the initiative, which will help me succeed in my future career. My future career involves working with people, and my internship showed me how important it is to have strong communication skills in the workforce by showing me how to reach out to people and talk professionally.

I do not believe there is any specific educational requirement you need to become an office coordinator. However, having a general educational background would be useful, such as having a high-school degree or a post-secondary education, because you need to know how to use basic skills. For instance, office coordinators need computer skills since most of the work and tasks are on the computer, such as knowing how to use Google Drive, Google Docs, and Dropbox. Also, you must be proficient in writing and communication skills. 

My internship does not necessarily tie into my major in psychology but aligns with my goal. I want to provide quality mental health resources and treatment by making it accessible and equitable to underserved populations, specifically to Hispanic and low socioeconomic groups. The first step in helping people’s mental health is providing resources to meet their basic needs. For instance, if people are unable to meet their basic needs, it only takes a toll on their mental health, causing a cycle to form. Hence, I was drawn to The Good Deed Project because it strives to provide safe and healthy living conditions to vulnerable groups by providing them with home renovations and repairs that can help better their well-being. 

I am interested in working in a nonprofit organization in the future, especially one aimed at helping better people’s overall well-being. However, I learned that I want to be directly involved in helping out with people rather than doing general office work. The Good Deed Project only furthers my passion for wanting to help people by providing them with the resources they need. I was empowered and inspired to see a nonprofit organization run and created by a Latina woman. 

Time management, communication, organizational, and writing skills are needed to secure a full-time position. In addition, having a post-secondary educational background or experience in design, architecture, or construction will help understand and help with the home renovation process. Also, having experience in writing grants would help as well.

I advise interns not to be so hard on themselves, especially if they make mistakes. It is okay to make a mistake because it is a part of the learning process, and do not be afraid of criticism because it will help you grow! Do not worry about your lack of experience. Internships are meant for you to get experience and are the first step into entering the workforce.