http://www.chq.org

Chautauqua Institution

Camp Counselor

June - August 2023 • Chautauqua, NY

What I liked

I liked the comprehensive HR and DEI training. The organization does a great job promoting it’s values within the workplace. My role, in specific, enhanced my ability to work in a team while developing leadership skills.

What I wish was different

I wish that there had been more opportunities to network with executives within the organization for seasonal employees.

Advice

My advice is to take utilize the access to lectures and fine arts provided to employees throughout the summer.
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IT Intern

May - August 2021 • Chautauqua, NY

What I liked

The Institution staff was great. Enjoyed working for my supervisory team and fellow interns. I found the opportunity to gain knowledge in how businesses utilize digital information systems to be really helpful, and the staff was supportive with any questions I had and did their best to accommodate requests for different experiences.

What I wish was different

I did not particularly enjoy working in the IT store, though effort was made to make it as painless as possible, and the experience was helpful in gaining a wide variety of troubleshooting skills.

Advice

Ask questions if you have them.
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Head Ra

June - August 2018 • Chautauqua, NY

What I liked

The experience with the other RAs and living in the national center for the arts was amazing.

What I wish was different

Training was more efficient/useful.

Advice

Make sure you keep yourself busy!
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Waterfront Instructor

June - August 2019 • Chautauqua, NY

What I liked

I really enjoyed the team-building skills and responsibilities this job taught me.

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Come prepared to swim, lifeguard, and teach lessons every day in the lake!
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Teaching Assistant - Children's School

June - August 2019 • Chautauqua, NY

What I liked

Working with kids daily Working with a team of other teachers

What I wish was different

Advice

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Sales support specialist

May - August 2018 • Chautauqua, NY

What I liked

The experiences and environment.

What I wish was different

The customers were very demanding

Advice

Be prepared to deal with angry customets
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Staff Writer

June - August 2018 • Chautauqua, NY

What I liked

I liked that I received ample writing opportunity with the daily newspaper. I had guidance from my editor professionals in the field and the opportunity to discuss arts journalism with critics from the New York Times and Washington Post. I got to manage my own beat, in my case writing 7-12 stories about theater and family entertainment each week, with other opportunities for lecture previews and recaps. By the end of the nine week program, I had almost 80 news clips to add to my portfolio. Interviewing several award-winning playwrights, from Lucas Hnath and Kate Hamill to Charly Evon Simpson and Lauren Yee, was a highlight of the summer. Due to the volume of coverage for the theater company's mainstage season, I was challenged to find new ways to cover the same show, focusing each article on a different aspect. For example, for one show I wrote 11 unique articles that featured the play's costumes, set, director, playwright, actors, sound design, etc.

What I wish was different

For better of for worse, breaking news is limited on Chautauqua's grounds, meaning that most stories are features. The beats can be taxing and monotonous at times, so invention is always needed to keep the job feeling fresh. Nevertheless, I got to write about an incident of racial profiling in real-time, which involved speaking with members of the theater company and the sheriff's department. Furthermore, I profiled foreign policy analyst Alina Polyakova of the Brookings Institute in the wake of the Helsinki Summit, which allowed for an international story to slip into local coverage.

Advice

Those writing for the Daily should make the most of their gate pass. Attend at least two lectures per week, as well as the evening entertainment. These opportunities will enrich your summer far beyond taking a nap. Also, stay organized and do not fall behind. Be sure to make a list of all your deadlines and publication dates. Given the high volume of writing for each beat, it is crucial not to fall behind. In the event that a story falls behind schedule due to source availability, just be sure to keep the editor in the loop. Lastly, be sure to bond with your fellow interns and take time together to relax, have a bonfire, see a movie or concert, throw a party, or play mini golf so that the summer is not just spent working away!
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Pool Lifeguard

May - August 2018 • Mayville, NY

What I liked

I enjoyed the pool environment where I could welcome people and ensure they were having the best possible experience.

What I wish was different

I wish we had a better manager this summer. The transition was shakey.

Advice

Always double-check what you are told and your schedule to be sure of when you are working.
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