I liked working in housing and with the homeless population. It was rewarding for me watching the homeless sleep as I walked toward my office.
What I wish was different
I wish that the homeless men would have been provided with covers and extra towels.
Advice
I would like to share that working a grave yard shift can be detrimental to one's mental health.
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Camp Counselor
May - August 2019 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
What I really like about working as Camp Counselor at the YMCA is that everyone there is like family and if you are ever in the need of help they're are there for you. As someone who has been struggling in being able to land an internship since freshman year, the YMCA has been continued to offer me a job whenever I am in the look for a job. What I also like about working at the YMCA are the wonderful little souls (the children). I've grown to care for these kids as if they were my own, and being able to be a role model to them is amazing. Being able to see the children grow through these 3 yrs has been very amazing and fulfilling.
What I wish was different
One thing that I wish had been different would be the effort some staff put into their work. It was obvious at times that there were a couple staff that didn't really care for their job leading to many kids being unwatched at certain times and getting hurt. I wish many of my coworkers were more focused on their job and actually watching the kids to prevent certain accidents that fell on other coworkers responsibility.
Advice
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Lifeguard
October 2017 - August 2018 • Palatine, IL
What I liked
I liked the incentives to learn new material and the various subsidies for useful certifications such as YMCA swim instructor and Red Cross lifeguard certification. Also, the management was very approachable, and is open to student workers returning for seasonal employment.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Early Childhood Teacher Intern
June - September 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
Had the opportunity to watch children develop and expand their knowledge throughout their education. As a teacher’s aide I played an important part in delivering the child’s lesson alongside the teacher providing them the chance to be an integral part of their success.
What I wish was different
The curriculum, I would have like to see the facility implement the Reggio Emilia Approach as a teacher method.
Advice
It will be a career less about being tied to a computer and working late in an office on a deadline and more about being hands on with students and getting involved in their education and development, so embrace it and enjoy the moments!
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Camp Counselor
May - August 2018 • Downers Grove, IL
What I liked
I loved interacting with the children and being a role model in their every day lives. I loved the teamwork and bonding amongst myself and the counselors.
What I wish was different
One thing I wish had been different would be the training for new counselors. At times, they were unprepared so it was a setback for the returning counselors, like myself.
Advice
Aside the loads of stress, the relationships and bonds made throughout the summer with coworkers and especially the campers, was all worth it.
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Family Camp Counselor
May 2017 • Lac Du Flambeau, WI
What I liked
The other staff was great and interacting with all of the kids and families was so fun!
What I wish was different
Advice
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Sports Marketing Intern
May - August 2017 • Downers Grove, IL
What I liked
There was flexibility with my hours so they were able to work around my schedule. My boss was very helpful and I was able to learn a lot!
What I wish was different
I wish I would have had more to do in the last week. I was given a list of tasks to complete and I finished up earlier then I expected to.
Advice
Be prepared to do tasks not in your internship description.
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PR/Communications Intern
June - August 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
One favorite aspect of my internship was the amount of responsibilities I was given- truly making me feel like I was a part of their staff. I also enjoyed how diverse all my tasks were. My supervisor allowed me to take initiative on many projects, including curating content for blogs and developing other digital marketing content. I also contributed stories and helped edit the YMCA of Metro Chicago's 2017 Annual Report. Having the opportunity to conduct interviews with Y members and staff was yet another favorite part of my internship.
What I wish was different
I started building great relationships with everyone in the MarComm department, but I definitely could have made an even greater effort to get to know those in different departments. The relationships you build with others in the office make the experience that much more valuable!
Advice
Never underestimate yourself! Always take the initiative and ask what other projects you can be involved in- your employers will notice just how invested you are to their organization.
