Multnomah County

Bridge Maintenance Seasonal Laborer

June - August 2019 • Portland, OR

What I liked

I liked the satisfaction of being assigned a manual labor task and then finishing it and being able to see the results. I also had the opportunity to go on various bridge tours where I got to go to the tops of some bridges, and underneath and inside other bridges.

What I wish was different

Sometimes the day's schedule worked out so that if I finished a task early, there wouldn't be enough time to start on a new job which meant I usually stayed at the shop and did small tasks like sweeping or taking out the trash which didn't feel very productive. I wish the structure of the day had been a little different and more efficient so that I could have gotten more work done in a day.

Advice

Learn how to be flexible and go with the flow, because a lot of the time with this job, things don't always work out how you want them to and you have to be able to make compromises or find something else you can do to help.

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Change Management Analyst Intern

May - August 2019 • Portland, OR

What I liked

Independent, meaningful work alongside professionals that kept me busy with various job responsibilities and projects.

What I wish was different

Exposure to different environments rather than being at a desk most of the time.

Advice

Take advantage of the program “College to County”. Connect with as many people as you can and make a lasting impression. The county is huge and if you’re ever looking for work again, this might be the place you want to look into (or their partnerships too).

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Policy and Communications Intern

June - October 2018 • Portland, OR

What I liked

While at Multnomah County I was able to network with professionals within my department and across the agency. In addition, I was given the room to take on projects for my own professional development and personal interest. In the end, I was offered another position with the department and have made lifelong mentors and advocates.

What I wish was different

Advice

Take initiative in your role and seek guidance from peers and mentors. Don't be afraid to ask questions and put yourself out there.

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Communications Intern

June - August 2018 • Portland, OR

What I liked

I appreciated working in a dynamic environment which served the community and other programs.

What I wish was different

I would have enjoyed more responsibility.

Advice

Public health is a vast field and you can find a role that fits your passion.

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Project coordinator

June - September 2018 • Portland, OR

What I liked

Variety

What I wish was different

More projects

Advice

Split work among other interns

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Constituent Relations

July - October 2018 • Portland, OR

What I liked

I became involved in the SummerWorks program one year ago. Through this program, I had internships in an office setting and found this experience to be much better than I thought it was going to be. I know these internships will benefit me greatly when I enter the job market.

What I wish was different

Advice

I feared my biggest barrier would be English. However, this has never been an issue for me. I would like to say that whatever barriers you feel you’re facing individually, do not be afraid to overcome those barriers. It is a great starting point to have that first job experience to put on your resume. Knowing the difference that I will succeed instead of fearing that I will fail is something that I cannot stress enough.

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Animal Care Technician

March 2018 • Troutdale, OR

What I liked

The animals

What I wish was different

Advice

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Front Desk Receptionist

June - September 2018 • Portland, OR

What I liked

Being able to work hand in hand with doctors, nurses, and the patients.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time to have kept the job through the school year.

Advice

It’s great to keep in contact with your supervisor or manger or anyone where you work so you can one day have the opportunity to return or use as a recommendation.

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Community Health Worker Intern

June 2018 • Portland, OR

What I liked

Being able to get to know the Cully neighborhood and their community. Work closely with the Mudbone Grown Farm and their family.

What I wish was different

More clinical office experience, however, I was able to focus more on a Public Health aspect to the clinic by organizing pickup soccer with the families attending the Buena Salud clinic, and resourcing local produce to them. It fit well with my focus.

Advice

Having any second language education or experience would definitely be of benefit, Spanish would be a higher priority. The community through the clinic and their staff are extremely friendly.

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