I loved being able to work on projects that felt genuinely meaningful, impactful, and thoughtful. Even when the work I was doing was difficult or emotional, working at WITNESS was very rewarding because I felt like I was doing something to help in some way. I really liked working as part of a team, both on specific tasks and in WITNESS as a whole. I felt like I gained a lot of experience on what working collaboratively entails and how that makes the output stronger. I also appreciated Evie spending so much of her time teaching us about the realities of conditions of confinement. I felt like I not only learned a lot, but found resources that I can still use to continue learning and do meaningful work on ending mass incarceration in the future.
What I wish was different
Advice
Keep yourself organized and make sure you have time to fully commit to this work. Get comfortable really working collaboratively on a variety of tasks in real time.
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Journalism / Copywriting Internship
December 2023 - January 2024 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
Evie is great! I learned a ton! Great opportunity; you'll gain a great deal of insight from Evie!
What I wish was different
No complaints!
Advice
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Intern Coordinator/Volunteer Coordinator
August - December 2023 • San Diego, CA
What I liked
Over the course of my internship I really enjoyed working closely with the other interns both within my group role and outside of it. I was able to develop a personal relationship with the people I worked with and WITNESS Director, Evie. I also felt that the work I was doing was able to create a real and meaningful impact and felt very rewarded by the work I was doing.
What I wish was different
There is not much I can say that I wish was different. The non-profit is New York based, though positions are remote so I did have to adapt to the earlier times, being located on the west coast during the duration of my internship. In general there is not much I can say I would change, I enjoyed my time at WITNESS.
Advice
For anyone interested in working for WITNESS, I would recommend it. I think it is important to note for prospective individuals to understand how much time they have if they are thinking of working while also managing schoolwork/other work commitments. If you are able to maintain strong communication with those you work with and work hard, you will succeed.
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Intern
June - September 2023 • Irvine, CA
What I liked
I really enjoyed my time this summer working with WITNESS, Evie is an amazing person and mentor to learn from. Working to end mass incarceration is such a necessary cause and I had an amazing time being part of such a collaborative team environment. I learned so much valuable information on prison systems and barriers facing formerly incarcerated people that I will never forget. I am looking forward to working more on this issue in the future.
What I wish was different
Advice
Be willing to reach out to the team if you need help and be attentive to learning.
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E-Commerce intern
January 2023 • New York City, NY
What I liked
It is something special to work for a meaningful cause such as reentry. I had an amazing time working with the team and Evie. There is lots of flexibility and it was an amazing opportunity to learn something new. Seeing the formerly incarcerated individuals getting the right support only inspired me to help them more.
What I wish was different
No cons at this time.
Advice
Be willing to learn and openminded.
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Illustration Intern
May - July 2022 • New York City, NY
What I liked
My teammates were hardworking and easy to reach out to. It felt good to be working with such an important issue.
What I wish was different
I wish there was more organization and professionalism from the higher-level individuals.
Advice
You're going to need a thick skin and to be able to organize yourself to work here.
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Marketing Intern
October - December 2022 • New York City, NY
What I liked
I really enjoyed how much this internship valued education and teaching the interns about criminal justice reform and the experience of incarcerated individuals. Every week the interns had a meeting where we discussed topics within the criminal justice system that can be confusing or particularly interesting to us and we had open discussions about these issues and asked questions. This kind of educational focus was present throughout all of the work in this organization. I felt as though every work opportunity was also a learning opportunity for me to better understand the criminal justice system and non-profit work.
What I wish was different
Since I had interned during the Fall, it was difficult to manage my time in junction with my school work. I would have liked to have more of a structured schedule each week, but that was in part due to the timing of when I worked in this organization.
Advice
I felt that this internship was an experience wherein you get out of it as much as you put into it. So, as long as you do good work and communicate well, you will be able to have a positive experience.
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Communication and marketing
May - August 2022 • New York City, NY
What I liked
The team is incredibly bright and well-connected. Lots of flexibility to do meaningful work in reentry and social activism. Team players who have finely tuned organized and communications skills will do well.
What I wish was different
No cons to mention at this date
Advice
Be willing to learn from Evie and others. Ask for help when necessary.
