Margaux Granath: Summer Intern with FIRE

How did you find this internship?

I found my internship by using Google.

What were your primary responsibilities while at your internship?

FIRE is an organization that seeks to advocate for and educate undergraduates on their rights to protest and speak freely. During my internship at FIRE, I had the opportunity to further FIRE's mission by collecting information on public community colleges' free speech policies, attending weekly constitutional-law seminars, and strategizing programming and outreach to educational institutions. Our largest task as an intern class was organizing--and working--the FIRE summer conference, a 3-day program for 120+ college students at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

What did you learn from this experience?

In addition to furthering professional development skills such as networking, office communication, and administrative tasks, I deepened my knowledge of the First Amendment. FIRE hosted weekly seminars for interns with many legal scholars, lawyers, and writers to dissect very complex arguments concerning freedom of expression. These seminars allowed us interns to engage with the First Amendment at a theoretical and at a practical level. I left my internship with knowledge of how to contribute to a healthy and efficient working environment, and a deeper understanding of how the First Amendment impacts daily life.

How did this experience help you prepare for your future career?

This internship prepared me for my future career by teaching me how to collaborate with others who learn or work differently. I was one intern out of a class of 10 and we took direction from many leaders at the office. We received multiple assignments per week and I learned to prioritize assignments based off of urgency and importance (a skill I practice in other jobs and in college courses). I learned to ask for clarification if I didn't understand and that communication is essential to foster a collaborative, healthy and efficient work environment.

What did you most enjoy?

I most enjoyed my experience living in Philadelphia over the summer! I pushed myself to live in a brand new city where I didn't know anyone; I left with nine new best friends and an excellent, supportive network. Philadelphia is city filled with so much art and history (and some of the best food), and I never ran out new restaurants, historical sites, or museums to visit. Getting to advocate for a cause I'm passionate about served as a bonus!

What is the one piece of advice you would give someone following your footsteps?

I would encourage anyone entering a new internship to take the time to connect with those already working there. Seek out mentorship and networking opportunities! People love to share advice and speak on their unique professional journeys. Networking can really be as simple as asking to grab coffee or finding a 20-minute break during the day.

What career competencies did you develop most during your internship?

Teamwork & Leadership, Oral & Written Communication.