BLOG: My summer internship
Ben DuPree
This summer, I worked as a policy intern in Sam’s office. While I am not a policy wonk by nature, I expected that my experience working here would be rewarding and interesting in its own way. At the end, I believe my time spent here has been the most worthwhile experience of my adult life.
I find it impossible to sum up my experience in a few choice paragraphs. To call it sublime is a gross simplification. My colleagues have taken me into their confidence, accepted me, trusted me, and appreciated my efforts. While one of the first interns in the office, my fellow staff never treated me like a personal secretary; I have been a member of a team, an equal whose input is valued.
Specifically, I worked under every senior staff member during my tenure. I have been exposed to issues regarding Airport noise, stormwater discount rates, job creation, transportation, and public relations, to name a few. The amount of responsibility that I have been granted is remarkable and appreciated; they challenged me to work to improve our city and to intuit creative solutions quickly and efficiently. The amount of hands-on work that I have participated in will serve me throughout my life, no matter which trails I choose to blaze.
More than anything, I would like to thank every individual whom I have had the pleasure of working alongside during the summer. Each has gone out of his or her way to make my experience as worthwhile as it could be. Sam and his staff are not my co-workers; they are my friends and confidants.
Thank you Sam, Tom, Jesse, Warren, Roland, Andrew, Terry, David, Mary Jo, Jane, Greg, Andrew, Diane, Maria Lynn Lim, Maria Thi Mai, and every person in PDOT and BES. You have made this a unique summer that will help shape my future endeavors.
The only advice I can impart is what has taken me here: assertiveness. After I sat in on a month’s worth of council meetings, I decided that I admired Sam’s initiative and wanted to work for him. While he was not specifically recruiting, I approached Sam in his office and asked him for a job. After an interview, I found myself here. In desiring to work in City Hall, I sought to have a chance to put my skills to use in a place where I could help others improve the quality of their lives.
In the end, Sam and his staff have taught me that if you want to improve a city, then you can find a way.
Posted by Ben DuPree on August 10, 2005
(1) Comments | Permalink | TrackBack (0)
Filed Under Blog
Comments by site visitors
Post your comment
Please note: your email address, although required to post, will not be visible. We remove inappropriate or offensive content, and content deemed improper by State and City election and ethics law. The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of the office or the City of Portland.
I AM INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP STUFF AS I MIGHT BE INTERESTED MYSELF
Posted by: SHERRIE | Sep 16, 2005 11:08:20 PM