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To celebrate the opening of the summer internship application, we conducted a Q+A with last year’s intern Juanita Philips so they could share the insights they gained last year with others. Juanita Philips is a Communications major at the University of Delaware and had a fantastic time exploring all that living with EHS in NYC has to offer, while gaining important career experience.

 

EHS believes in creating equitable opportunities for students to achieve their dreams, which is why we always offer compensation and free housing for our summer intern position.

 

1. Can you share what drew you to study and pursue a career in Communications?

My decision to study communications stems from a passion for human interaction and storytelling. Initially drawn to healthcare, I shifted to filmmaking, recognizing the power of visual narratives. Now, I'm pursuing Communications as a strategic path to my ultimate goal in film. The field's versatility and its emphasis on effective communication align with my love for working with people.

 

2. What drew you to EHS, and made you want to apply to be the EHS intern?

What attracted me to EHS and led me to apply for the internship was their provision of free housing—a crucial factor given my background in a small state with significant travel to major cities. During my winter break, I dedicated myself to finding internships, and EHS stood out by not only offering housing but also compensating interns for their work. This thoughtful support not only eased financial concerns but also allowed me to focus on other aspects of the internship process with confidence. EHS's commitment to the well-being of interns played a decisive role in my choice to pursue this opportunity.

 

3. What were your favorite parts of living with EHS last summer?

My favorite part of living with EHS last summer was the flexibility of the schedule they provided. Unlike the typical 9-5 intern grind, my supervisor gave me a monthly schedule, allowing me to plan around work commitments and explore the city at my own pace. This flexibility made it easy to absorb the vibrant atmosphere of New York City organically. Additionally, my work tasks with EHS felt like a paid excursion, involving capturing the city as I experienced it for the first time. Overall, the combination of a flexible schedule and the excitement of my work made my time with EHS both memorable and enriching.

 

4. As for the internship, were there any projects or moments you were particularly proud of?

One significant project during the internship involved conducting interviews with the summer residents at the EHS buildings. Coordinating this required extensive planning and communication, Shout out to Jill for handling these difficult behind-the-scenes tasks. Since it was EHS's first venture into this type of project, we encountered occasional errors here and there. Within these moments, I’m proud of myself for being able to provide quick solutions on the spot, and adapting when certain filming aspects weren't going as planned. Overall, I'm particularly proud of overcoming challenges and ensuring we acquired the necessary footage before the summer deadline.

 

5. Did you leave the EHS internship with any new skills or did it help enhance your skills in any way?

Absolutely, the EHS internship significantly improved my time management skills and provided a comprehensive understanding of project management, including idea brainstorming, goal setting, scheduling, and equipment coordination. While I entered with confidence in editing, the internship pushed me to explore and master aspects of editing software I used less frequently, enhancing both my technical proficiency and overall confidence.

 

6. Did the internship experience help you determine more of what you like or dislike?

The internship helped me figure out my preferred work style. I realized that I thrive more with a flexible, almost freelance, work-from-home schedule rather than the traditional 9-5 office setup. I liked having the independence to work on my own for most of the internship, but it was also great that there were scheduled times to meet with other staff to discuss things and stay connected. This balance between solo work and team meetings turned out to be something I enjoyed.

 

7. Can you talk about the community EHS provides?

During my stay at the St. George Residence, I was impressed by EHS's commitment to fostering a sense of community among residents. The Resident Assistants (RA’s) organized events that not only allowed us to explore the city but also facilitated connections among interns, leading to the creation of meaningful relationships. The staff's friendliness and eagerness to assist residents further contributed to the vibrant and supportive community atmosphere. During moments of boredom or homesickness, a simple trip downstairs presented a remedy. Whether residents were socializing in common areas or EHS hosted inviting events, these gatherings not only dispelled feelings of loneliness but also turned my overall experience into a more enjoyable one.

 

8. Can you share any other features EHS provides that are helpful for summer interns coming to NYC?

One feature I didn't initially appreciate while I had it but greatly do now at EHS was the elevators. Living on the 11th floor, they made moving in a breeze, especially compared to my college where stairs were the only option. The convenience of having two elevators was a game-changer. Additionally, EHS's amenities, like in-building washers and dryers, made city living incredibly easy. Not having to schedule laundry time amid my busy schedule was a relief and a significant perk for summer interns like myself.

 

9. If you could advise other interns coming to NYC for a summer internship, what would it be?

My advice for other interns coming to NYC would be to give yourself grace. It can be very hard trying to hold yourself to expectations that you’ve set for yourself based on other people or ideas you’ve created as to what and how you have to be. A big lesson I learned this past summer was that communicating being overwhelmed or finding a task hard wasn’t bad or meant you’re failing at your job. Your co-workers are much more understanding and kinder than you think and they were also in the same place as you. Additionally, make the most of the time you have. Being prepared is great and a smart choice, especially as an intern with little time outside of work, but I found things that i did within the city that I decided on last minute or stumbled upon naturally, and was open to truly enhanced my time and memories in the city.

 

10. What are your plans after graduation this spring?

As I approach graduation, I'm actively job hunting in the media/digital production space. My goal is to find a job that offers learning opportunities, skill development, and connecting with other creatives. While pursuing this, I've also come up with a backup plan: commuting from my home state to NYC if needed. This alternative strategy involves seeking opportunities, building networks, and gaining a sense of post-grad life in the city. I'm prepared for various outcomes, ensuring flexibility in navigating the transition after graduation.