Morgan Gruenewald, Learning Unit Summer 2014

Describe your internship experience.

I interned in the Learning Unit, a part of Talent Development and Human Resources that develops eLearning courses for CRS staff around the world. During my internship, I was able to develop new skills in quality testing and SharePoint management, to attend and learn from events at headquarters, and to form strong relationships with my supervisor, with other staff, and with other interns. The CRS internship program has a strong focus on professional development, and facilitates and encourages both all-intern events and informational interviews with staff across the agency.

Describe any specific projects that you worked on during your internship.

My primary responsibilities during my internship included creating and implementing a protocol for archiving completed eLearning projects, curating resources for and revising the Learning Unit’s SharePoint page, testing and reviewing project-management software for the team’s use, and quality testing new eLearning courses. I still work with my supervisor on a consultancy basis, doing quality assurance and development for eLearning courses.

How will your experience at CRS influence your future personal and career plans?

My experience at CRS had a positive impact on my future plans before my internship was even over. I spent the semester after I worked at CRS studying abroad in Uganda, and during my internship I was able to interview two CRS employees who had previously worked in Uganda and who gave me incredibly helpful advice for my upcoming experience. My internship helped me to secure a research position with Save the Children while I was in Uganda, and it has opened more doors within CRS as well. 

Ben Backe, Communications Summer 2013 and Summer 2014

Describe your internship experience.

My summer internship in the communications department of CRS headquarters in Baltimore was an incredible experience. During my few months at CRS, I had the opportunity to participate in a huge diversity of projects, as well as work with a truly extraordinary group of professional men and women. At the time, I was a senior in college, and my internship at CRS proved to be the ideal place to hone my communications skills and prepare myself for a profession in relief and development work. It was also a tremendous amount of fun. In between spending time with my coworkers and laughing with the other interns, I was thrilled every day to come to work.

Describe any specific projects that you worked on during your internship.

One of the most extraordinary projects I had the opportunity to participate in was assisting in the production of CRS’ online web radio broadcast “World Report.” As many of CRS’ international staff return to HQ from time to time, the World Report served as an opportunity for us to interview them about their experiences in the field, and then share their stories with our listeners. As a part of the production team, I was involved in many of the steps, from developing interview questions to actually conducting interviews in our recording studio, and later choosing the audio segments for the final product.

What advice do you have for other students seeking an internship at CRS?

My advice would be to do what you do in so many other aspects of your life: be authentically yourself, throw yourself totally into whatever task is set before you and enjoy every minute of it. What CRS looks for most in employees is someone who cares deeply about the mission, and is proactive in moving it forward. Be creative, innovate, and dare to suggest a new idea.

Ariana Tuchman, CRS Madagascar May 2014 – August 2014

Describe your internship experience.

As a graduate student intern, I sought a taste for what it would be like to serve as a program manager with a large international nongovernmental organization like Catholic Relief Services. During my 12-week internship with CRS in Madagascar, I worked on several projects related to disaster management and food security as well as a smaller project on child protection. Describe any specific projects that you worked on during your internship. My supervisors in Madagascar gave me the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways and also to learn about the impact of CRS' work through a 2-week field visit of a remote project site. When I wasn't busy in the office, I had plenty of opportunities to explore Madagascar's unique fauna and flora, to experience life in Antananarivo, and to make friends with my Malagasy and American colleagues.

How will your experience at CRS influence your future personal and career plans?

My experience at CRS contributed to my project management skills, which have already proven valuable as I complete a consultancy with Mercy Corps as the capstone project for my graduate program. My internship in Madagascar also reinforced my desire to work for an international NGO in an overseas position after I complete my master's degree. I was truly inspired to serve on such a diverse team united by the common mission of promoting human development, and I'm excited to commit myself to a long-term career in this field!

What advice do you have for other students seeking an internship at CRS?

Be flexible! Some of the most fascinating and meaningful projects I helped on over the summer were not part of my original scope of work. Also, spend time getting to know the national staff. I was lucky to be able to share lunch almost every day with a mix of international and national staff, and I learned so much about Malagasy culture from those conversations. Finally, remember that you're there to learn as much as you are to contribute. It can be tempting to stick to tasks you're already comfortable with, but you'll get more out of your internship if you're willing to take on new roles that will challenge you.