Major: Economics and Political Science

• Internship: NumbersAlive! Foundation
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-mitchell-9646a5224/

Tell us about your internship – what kind of work did you do? What did you find rewarding?

Tasks varied, but I mainly worked on the website, drafted emails, submitted proposals, video conferenced other organizations, etc. I also helped write a book for Iowa State University and  started a partnership with FCPS. I found that when people commented that the changes to the website or a presentation I created were great, it was very rewarding to be recognized for my work, even if it was something small.

Have your career or life goals changed as a result of your internship? If so, how? 

I would say that both my career and life goals changes as a result of my internship. I interned with an organization that centered on creative thinking and stepping outside of the box. In economics, I am so used to patterns and staring at numbers to give me guidance, but with this internship, it taught me to look at different perspectives. Additionally, living on the east coast has made me reflect on where I want to live, travel and study in the future.

Share an exciting memory from your internship – something unexpected, an accomplishment, someone you met. 

An exciting memory from my internship would be going out to dinner with my boss and colleagues and learning about their career paths and life in DC.

Share a story about something special you did in Washington – an event you attended, a place you went, an exciting talk, etc. 

One of my favorite memories in DC would have to be when it was snowing. I remember I was at the Natural History Museum when it closed down. We decided to not let everything shutting down ruin our day, so we walked to the MLK Memorial and around the tidal basin. I had never been that cold in my entire life. I made a snow angel and we threw snowballs at one another. I remember just embracing the moment and having a blast.

How has living in the nation’s capital for a quarter changed you?

Professionally, I think I have grown so much, from the people I have met, to experiencing what it was like to work in the office such as collaborating with others and soaking up all of their wisdom. Personally, I have learned to go with the flow, embrace spontaneity and to not waste the little time that I had free.

Do you have any advice for future UCDC students?

Do not be afraid to take a walk by yourself, try different food, and meet new people. Side note, if you are ever unsure of what to do in DC, visit the top of the Washington Monument, the views are incredible.