We all want to build a foundation that leads to a successful future in our careers, networks, and professional endeavors. To construct that type of groundwork, I believe three key factors affect your path and your success. Those elements are 1) your environment, 2) opportunities, and 3) how you apply yourself. Recently, I had the opportunity and space to begin building my professional career and networks. As this is the beginning of my journey, I want to share what I have learned and inspire others to start building their foundation. This blog is an in-depth piece focused on my experiences in my current internship, what happened along the way and how it has positively impacted me moving forward. In the last week of my internship, I had the opportunity to reflect on everything I have gained. The three months spent at MSI helped to shift my mindset, career path, and build a fantastic professional support system. 

This past year was essential for me to establish myself professionally, to push myself mentally (and academically), and to build my skills for my dream roles. When a friend informed me of the internship position at Management Systems International (MSI), I started doing my research and learned that MSI is an international development firm. Their work sounded exciting, but I wasn’t as knowledgeable on the topic. And I initially doubted myself and didn’t want to apply for the role. But I realized if I continued to limit myself from my potential, I would never grow or build the foundation I always told everyone about. Yes, I would do freelance work here and there, but I wanted something that would push me out of my comfort zone. And this role would be that, so I applied.  

After a little time, I was contacted for a phone screening, which I was utterly excited about. I continued researching the company, but most of the information was hard for me to conceptualize at first (but happily, this would change). During the phone screening, I learned that MSI works with governments, communities, and development partners to tackle some of the most challenging issues around the world. Understanding their mission and the projects they took on inspired me to want to learn more about how I could be a part of their mission.

After the phone screening, I was asked to come in for a second interview. I was going to interview with the team I would intern for at MSI. That’s when I met my current supervisors who are Jess and Reda, two women I immediately looked up to (and still do). They provided clear expectations of the role and an understanding of how this internship role supported the team. Throughout the interview, I felt heard, respected, and in an environment that supported growth. Leaving the interview, I had a feeling this was the opportunity I had been looking for. Their expectations for the required skills were either what I wanted to showcase to them or was something I wanted to learn. Within a few days after the second interview, I got the role. I couldn’t have been happier. It felt amazing knowing that I finally took a chance to pursue a role that would build my professional career. And to know that my supervisors saw my potential and chose me for the role, that helped me build the confidence and drive to make sure I showed them my value. 

 My first day at MSI was great. The HR staff was so informative about teaching me more history of the company. A fun fact I learned was that they used to work on boats in The Wharf (in downtown DC). Throughout the day, I met more people from different departments who were welcoming and helpful in getting me acclimated to MSI and my role. The Executive Vice President of MSI even took time out to say hello and check-in. The entire company demonstrated the importance of being a community and a place that included everyone in the conversation. And I am proud to say that this consideration would continue for the rest of my time as an intern. With all of these qualities, I felt like it was effortless for me to find my footing and get to work. 

 Now let’s talk a little bit more about my team. We support the USAID Conflict Technical Capacity Building and Training (CTCBT) contract. My role on the team was to help with a component that managed an online community of practice for USAID’s Office of Conflict Management and Mitigation (CMM) called Peace Exchange. Peace Exchange implements bi-monthly campaigns on topics that intersect with peacebuilding. I was graced to work on the Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding, and Stabilization (CPPS) campaign. I got to support the launch of the campaign and its implementation from February-May. In addition to working on Peace Exchange, I also was able to work with the project management and communications teams throughout my internship. They all explained their basic expectations they would need from me during the campaign and the tools to be successful. They also made sure to leave open opportunities for me to try new things and learn new skills. 

 From the start, it was vital for me to learn the terminology and abbreviations associated with the Peace Exchange campaign. I found learning the information humbled me and taught me how important topics such as conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and stabilization are to international development. I understood the need for space where practitioners can find and share innovative approaches and tools and a platform that invites everyone to come together, which is Peace Exchange. My daily tasks involved working on the Peace Exchange website in WordPress, documenting resources, and creating content for our campaign’s communications toolkit. The toolkit was for other organizations to use on their social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter) to promote our online platform, Peace Exchange, and the CPPS campaign. When I worked with Chevaughn (who is from the communications department and created the toolkit), I got to understand even more about creating digital content, and it drove me to want to learn skills outside of the internship. I began learning more about HTML, SQL, various software, and writing content. After having a sit down with Chevaughn, I realized the direction I wanted my profession to go in. For me, that meant combining my skills in strategic and digital communications and project management. I know it’s a unique combination, but I’m willing to take the risk and put the work in to make it successful. I told my supervisors about this, and they all supported it and gave advice on how to do research and work to build a foundation for myself. 

 I have taken away many valuable lessons and positive experiences. I was able to have an environment with space to be heard, acknowledged, and respect. My supervisors were the reason I learned what a healthy environment looks like and feels like. They may not know this, but the three of them gave me the strength to see my value, have confidence in my skill set, to be patient, and dare to ask questions. I always wanted to make them proud and, in turn, would make myself proud. I remember at the beginning of the campaign we were looking for a partner, after doing some research, I found a company that held potential. Jess and Chevaughn looked over their organization and got them to be our partner at the beginning of the campaign. It was awesome to be a part of a team effort and see them using the skills that they were instilling in me. Jess and Reda were also always uplifting me in this role. They would share their stories of how they got here and reminded me that there’s no picture-perfect path, and that’s okay. It’s more than just how they were always positive when I made mistakes, all three of them turned them into lessons learned and gave me the tools and skills to grow. I feel lucky to not only call them my supervisors but as my mentors now. 

 As I leave this role, I feel full of hope and promise. I know I have a support system that will help me to become the professional I aspire to be and will hold me accountable to that statement. They taught me some of the biggest lessons on how to move forward, how to pay attention to the details, and believe in myself. They showed me that teamwork is vital in accomplishing goals, and it’s okay to ask for help. I understand that not every environment will be like this, but I can be the change that the company may need. Jess said two massive takeaways on how I could be that change, and I will have these throughout my professional journey. The first one was when you practice what you preach, and you probably won’t have to preach very much. The second was to try doing something you haven’t done before, and you might surprise yourself. Reda taught me that it’s important to remember your path can be a windy road and to embrace the journey. Chevaughn taught me that it’s essential to help others, to share knowledge, and support them. That advice has helped me to reach where I am today. It was vital for me to learn lessons from them that I can use throughout my journey. Working at MSI was a delight and healthy experience that I am thankful for, and I will continue to grow and push myself to build on the foundation it provided. Now I believe that your opportunities and environment can foster success, but it’s up to you to work for it.

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