My name is Zemoria Mathis and I am rising
Junior Graphic Design major. This summer I had the privilege of interning at
Share Our Strength. I was able get this great internship through the online
source Indeed.com. I secured my internship by sending follow up emails to my
director, the Senior Manager/Brand Creative, Paul Rindfleisch, and meeting due
dates assigned to me when turning in paperwork. Ever since I was little, I have
volunteered my time to non-profit organizations because they fight for causes
that many companies and individuals overlook and are extremely humble in their
pursuit to make a change.
Share Our Strength is a non-profit organization located
in Washington D.C. dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America and they are
getting closer to their goal every year. Throughout
my time here, it was always a pleasure to see how hard everyone worked, no
matter what department, to see this goal accomplished. Through my department
(Creative/ Communications), I was able to create impactful designs and imagery
that I know will make a difference to not only the company, but also the
mission itself, ending childhood hunger. With my intern project, I was able to
connect with other departments outside of my field to create informational
social posts for a future event known as Dine Out. My challenge was to get
teens/ young adults invested in helping their communities while also having fun
dining out at our various restaurant partners. Through my intern project, I was
able to push myself creatively by learning new programs such as Photoshop,
brushing up on my communication skills, and learning about the limitations of
funding and due dates.
One of my biggest
takeaways from this experience is that major change is accomplished through
connecting and collaborating. Various departments bring new ideas to the table.
Through this we are able to create powerful executions and partnerships. Going
forward in my future as a Graphic Designer, I will think more on how my art affects others
rather than just worrying about the design itself. After working at a
non-profit organization, I would definitely think about working for a company
such as this after graduation or in the near future.
