Samuel Sherman
Pardee’17 | International Relations
Development Internship
CCD: Tell us about your internship experience. What were your responsibilities?
Samuel: I was on the BU Study Abroad – Washington DC Internship program. I connected with a former BU alum who suggested me for the position. Essentially, I cultivated donors, built donor profiles, planned receptions and events associated with Board Members and prominent donors. I learned the function of the development department and its importance in the non-profit world.
CCD: What was the best thing about the experience?
Samuel: Truman certainly expanded my professional network and it taught me that I may enjoy working in development over policy. The best thing about it was helping to organize the conference: TruCon 16, which is a major event that brings the entirety of the organization’s network together.
CCD: What are the top skills you’ve learned from this experience?
Samuel: I think I learned a lot about interpersonal skills and the different levels of interaction that are required for prominent members of an organization. I also learned significant research skills and how to make my own space in an organization that is already established and has certain norms.
CCD: What advice would you give to another student about making the most of a summer experience?
Samuel: I would say that you should always ask for something to do, within reason. Your supervisor probably has 1000 little things that they have to do throughout the day, that you could easily do. If you’re bored, try and come up with something that would be helpful. Also, know the organization you’re going into because if you don’t research beforehand you really will have difficulty adjusting.
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