This post was written by Ruth Rike, a recent graduate of St. Kate’s with a degree in Communications, and ABF’s intern for the 2018-2019 academic year.

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The Ann Bancroft Foundation has been one of the highlights of my college career. I was welcomed into their space with open arms and lots to learn. I was fully immersed in a world of data entry and knowing the pleasure of reading the grant applications that were submitted as well as the opportunity to be a part of the Granting Committee. I learned that no matter how small the task, it can have the greatest impact on someone’s life and to always do things with a positive attitude. I had such a great time every time I was in the office because no matter how hard we were working, we always had some great conversations. Being able to attend the Ann Bancroft Foundation annual event was also one of my highlights during my time at ABF. If you have not been able to attend, I suggest that you try at least once because it is an experience you will never forget. The generosity that fills that room is like nothing I have ever experienced and it was overall a really fun time.

When originally searching for an internship, I wanted something that aligned with my studies as well as something that interested me as a person. When I discovered ABF through my university’s internship program, I knew it was something I wanted to apply for. Their mission and values were awesome and aligned with my own and the work I would be doing would absolutely prepare me for my next phase in life. When asked to write about some advice I would give to other young women about searching for an internship, here is what I would say:

Tips for Internship Searching

• First things first, check to see what kind of skills your school is offering, if you are attending school (if not, act as though it is a job search).
• Make sure that you are confident in your skills. Even though you may not feel like you have any, you definitely do.
• Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and learn something new. Gaining new skills will help you to do even more than you thought you could.
• Be passionate. It will make the work you do an absolute breeze and will make your time there a positive one.
• As I stated above, make sure that the opportunity you are looking into aligns with who you are and what you believe in. It will make everything much more enjoyable.
• While at your internship: HAVE FUN! It will only make your experience so much more memorable.

Thank you so much Ann Bancroft Foundation for having me. It has been an absolute blast!

Your Intern,

Ruth
St. Catherine University, Class of 2019