Intern of the Week: Kyle Baker for Graphic Design

Name:  Kyle Baker

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Federdal Housing Finance Agency

Major(s)/Minor(s):  Graphic Design/Media Communication Studies

Expected Graduation Year: 2016

Briefly describe your internship, co-op, research, or service- learning opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

As an intern for the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) I specifically worked for the Office of Congressional Affairs and Communications (OCAC). For my duration there I worked under the guidance of my supervisor assisting and in some cases even speerheading a series of informational FHFA video projects that were used both internally and externally. The title of one of the videos was called “FHFA: Strengthening Today and Securing Tomorrow.” This video was to be used for external general audiences looking to better understand what FHFA does and how it impacts them.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

I enjoyed the professional nature of the position. It was my first time ever working a federal government job before but it was definitely an experience that was quite unique.

What have you gained from your experience that you could not have gained from another opportunity?

Federal Government experience. Trust me when I say, that it is without question a different breed of animal when it comes to things such as professionalism.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Never feel intimidated by whatever nature of position you are taking on nor feel that you don't have enough experience to perform well.

How do you see your experience as meaningful? This might involve skills you’ve gained, information you’ve learned, mentors you’ve connected with, or projects you’ve completed.

Honestly, if I had to describe this position in two words I would say "Rewardingly Challenging." When I was hired my supervisor explained that although I was an intern I shouldn't didn't expect the bulk of my duties to be making copies, taking phone calls or doing anything menial like that can typically come with the territory of being an intern but you don't really get any true experience from. I would be receiving the same caliber of workload and assignments was told from day one that I would be receiving the same caliber of workload and assignments that anyone on their actual staff would be required to complete as well be held to their same standard of performance. So although it was at times challenging, it was definitely the type of challenging that you wanted because you knew you were truly getting something out of it.

Please provide a short quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / the internship placement process / the Shriver Center:

To requote what I said in a previous question mine would simply be the following:

Honestly, if I had to describe this position in two words I would say "Rewardingly Challenging. Because although at times it was challenging, it was definitely the type of challenging that you wanted because you knew you were truly getting something out of it."