In November, summer may seem like a long way away. If you’re a college student, classes and exams are in full swing, campus is bustling with excitement, and summer plans might be the last thing on your mind. While there are tons of ways to spend your summer—traveling, working, seeing friends—summer internships present great opportunities to grow, gain experience, and try new things. We know this process can be daunting, so we asked our recent summer interns and fellows to share their insight and advice on how to go about finding your next summer internship.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a meaningful internship?
Sarah Moon: During the interview process, the organization is evaluating you, but you should also be evaluating the organization. Don’t take an internship simply because it is offered; discern whether it will be a helpful and worthwhile experience before immediately accepting.
Arna McArtney: Be open to a variety of internships and departments—the majority of the intern crew at HOPE this year ended up working in a different position than their original application, and I’ve been grateful to engage with something that I never anticipated working with.
Bailey Holway: I stressed out too much about where I was going to be this summer. I had to learn to trust that God was going to use me wherever He sent me—whether that was in my hometown, Lancaster, PA, or somewhere completely different. God is good, He is sovereign, and He knows what He’s doing, even if I don’t like waiting to see how things will end up.
Why did you apply to intern at HOPE?
Julie Heisey: I’ve admired and respected HOPE since I heard about the organization in an economic development class. I wanted to understand what makes the organization operate so well and what drives it to do excellent work, while also getting experience in a field I’d love to work in.
Emily Barry: Studying international development, I’ve been passionate about poverty alleviation for a long time. I wanted to explore how I could turn that into something meaningful through working with a nonprofit. HOPE’s mission to serve families in poverty and build the Kingdom got me excited about the possibility of an internship and how I could grow in my understanding of development, vocation, and my faith.
Jennie Hayes: I saw this as an opportunity to engage God’s ever-beating heart for the marginalized. I learned about HOPE’s holistic and Christ-centered approach to poverty alleviation and trusted its mission.
What is your favorite part about being an intern at HOPE?
Jessica Johnson: I love being a part of a global network of Christians who are dedicated to building God’s Kingdom by implementing best practices in poverty alleviation through microfinance and savings groups.
Claire Griffin: The responsibility and respect. I am given projects that challenge me and impact HOPE, and from the moment I joined the HOPE family, I have felt welcomed.
Kyle Boatsman: I love the people here. U.S staff, field staff, volunteers, partners—there are a lot of great people working with HOPE.
Searching for a summer internship? HOPE International’s GROW internship and fellowship program might be a great fit for you! Our program is designed for students and recent grads seeking to develop spiritually and professionally. Interns and fellows at HOPE enjoy the benefits of a challenging and meaningful professional experience while working in a spiritually nurturing environment. HOPE’s interns and fellows experience spiritual formation, professional enrichment, and significant involvement. Learn more about how you can get involved!
