Name: Lauren Taylor
Majors: Global Studies & Political Science
Minors: Environmental Studies & National Security Studies
Hometown: Raymond, NE
Year at UNL: Senior
Why Global Studies?
I chose Global Studies because I wasn’t entirely sure what field I wanted to end up in. I have a wide variety of interests (many of which have a global scope), and I knew that Global Studies would be helpful in whatever career I ended up choosing. The major as a whole is very interdisciplinary, and I know that the skills I’ve learned from my Global Studies classes will help me in any job I have after graduation.
Internship Experience:
This summer I interned at the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)! It was hands down one of the best experiences of my college career to date. The process of applying was fairly straightforward, I submitted a resume and cover letter to my eventual supervisor, and was called for a phone interview. I was fortunate enough to be selected for the Development Intern position, and lived and worked in Washington DC for 12 weeks!
EESI is a non-profit organization based in Washington DC that is dedicated to engage with Congress on issues surrounding energy and environmental policies. They have been a trusted source of credible, nonpartisan information on energy and environmental issues (and solutions to those issues) for more than 30 years. The organization started as a Congressional caucus in 1975 as a result of members of Congress identifying a need for policymakers to have increased access to fact-based information on energy and environmental issues. Today, EESI is focused on providing information to policymakers, as well as developing common sense solutions to environmental and energy issues.
My role as the Summer Development Intern changed from day to day. Primarily, I was tasked with database entry of donations to EESI and acknowledging donors. I also helped edit and proofread grant proposals and worked with various staff members on web articles and newsletter pieces. Occasionally, I would work with our Communications team to develop online marketing content like Facebook posts and tweets. However, my favorite task was getting to help execute Congressional briefings that EESI would hold on Capitol Hill every few weeks!
What were some of the benefits of having done this internship?
I have benefited so much from my short time at EESI. Because my role was so multifaceted, I left EESI with a skillset far beyond what I thought I would gain. I learned the ins and outs of social media strategy, honed my writing and proofreading skills, became familiar with different databases used by nonprofit organizations, and of course was immersed in the fast-paced environment of Washington DC, among other things. Being able to say that I worked in Washington DC alone has opened many doors for me and I think that my experiences will be extremely helpful in getting a job after graduation.
What are you post-graduation plans? (If you’re not sure talk about what might be your ideal career)
Right now I am considering jobs, fellowships, and numerous graduate programs! I am hoping to work either in environmental and sustainability management, or as a policy analyst focused on environmental policy.