Work–study doesn't just have to be about clocking in hours. These students snagged some of the coolest work–study gigs around. Read on, and try to contain your jealousy.
Sarah Lentz (C ’19)
“I’m a political science major, and although I’m not entirely sure what I want to do with that, non–profit work is definitely a big chunk of what I’m looking into for the future,” said Sarah, who interns at Women’s Campaign International (WCI). Founded by Penn alumna Marjorie Margolies, WCI works on women’s development both in Philadelphia and abroad. The organization works to implement programs in communities across the globe according to the needs of the women living there. “I recently worked on a program in Jordan, trying to encourage women to join the workforce,“ Sarah explains, “My job was to look up Jordanian women who had participated in exchange programs through Goldman Sachs, 10,000 Women or any of the State Department’s international exchange programs, and had returned back to Jordan to work. I researched these women to see what they are doing now and what their contact information is, so that WCI could contact them to participate in speaker series with other women, multiple panels and leadership training.” Initiatives such as this are meant to empower women to feel more comfortable entering the workplace. Sarah decided to continue her fall internship into second semester. “Learning how non–profits work has been what I am most grateful for. Observing the important connections in the political world firsthand, has been really interesting.”
Veronica Kowalski (C ’19)
If you think 9 a.m. classes are tough, try getting to work every morning by 6:30 a.m. But Veronica Kowalski isn’t complaining. Studying cognitive science and music, she doesn’t mind her responsibilities as the morning show assistant at WXPN. Each day she compiles music, arts and culture–related news for her boss to read on air.
Victoria also works at Spiral Q, a puppet studio in West Philly. “Their motto is 'join justice,'" she says. "So they have rehab programs where people can help make puppets, as well as education programs and community events.” Spiral Q uses recycled material to build large–scale puppets, demonstrating the value of hands–on creation. “We had the 17th annual Peoplehood parade recently, that traveled through West Philadelphia, from the Paul Robesen House to Clark Park. The theme was, ‘We can all be giant,’ and a bunch of organizations from the community came out to carry their very own puppets," she says.
Sofia Palacios (C ’19)
Sofia Palacios found her job through a fellow teammate on the field hockey team. She works through Penn Athletics and scores basketball, football and field hockey games—basically any Penn Athletic event you can think of. She is also on call for any organizational jobs that may need to be done during games. The culmination of the work–study program: working Penn Relays. “I really had no idea how massive it was. It’s not too often you see all of Franklin Field filled. Being on the field and seeing how much work goes into the event was incredible,” Palacios says. “Obviously, I’ve watched a ton of sports but actually being a part of making everything run smoothly has definitely changed my perspective.” Although technically undecided in her major, Palacios is pursuing an interest in history in the College. “I don’t know if sports will necessarily be a specific part of my job [after graduation], but I can definitely see it being a part of my life forever," she says. "This job has helped me discover that.”
Header Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons, Flickr
