I enjoyed the relative autonomy of the position. We were tasked with creating and implementing a project, of our own design, alongside our daily duties. At the end of the summer, we were asked to present on our process to the executive board of HACP. Overall, the process allowed me to develop a number of transferable skills and add a rewarding experience to my resume.
What I wish was different
The bureaucratic nature of HACP made it very difficult to create a truly innovative project. While I enjoyed my experience, the corporate nature of the environment was antithetical to that of other nonprofits I have worked in. Unless a large organization is the goal, working with the HACP is largely an inaccurate representation of nonprofit work in general.
Advice
The HACP internship is highly competitive and rigorous. It is not to be taken lightly, nor should it be applied for on a whim. There is no guarantee of getting the internship/department you prefer as supervisors have discretion in choosing their intern. It is most helpful if you have an idea of the work you want to do, what happens in your preferred department, and a rough outline of a project that can be planned and implemented in 3 months or less.
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RSS Intern
June - August 2018 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
I enjoyed planning the Resident Self Sufficiency annual job fair and connecting with different groups of people.
What I wish was different
I wish the internship was longer.
Advice
To be open to a new experience and being able to approach new attitudes of people.
