Caroline Todd, Class of 2010, English Major, Presbyterian College Library Archives

Although I had some routine tasks like filing and alphabetizing, for the most part I worked on research projects. I worked on a building project where we are compiling information about all the buildings that have been part of the PC campus. I also worked on blog entries for the Archives blog. This also required a good bit of research. I also worked in the Media Center (for the Archives) transferring tapes to CDs and videotapes to DVD. 

I learned a lot about PC from my internship but also some more applicable skills. I learned what it was like having a real 9-5 job. I learned how to conduct research and apply it to a greater project. I knew how to do that before from writing papers, but this was more like detective work. I didn’t always know where to look when I needed to fill in blanks, and sometimes I had to start my research one place to get enough clues to lead me to the answer I needed.

I think I learned how to pace myself while doing research and I think that skill is very good for a lawyer to have. If you don’t pace yourself then you overload and wind up not getting as much work done. I also learned better self-management skills. I was responsible for my work and knew I needed to get it done. I also learned how to work a copier and while that may not seem super exciting, it’s a good skill to have.

I think just having the internship on my application will be a good presentation of the skills in my favor. It is a research-based internship, but I also learned about office/ clerical work. The internship is very much like what a paralegal does (as far as being a copier monkey and doing research), but it is different and sets me apart from other applicants. Since I want to go to law school, it is good to have some research background but also not to do just what every one else is doing.

What is the advice you would give to other students about your internship and/or internships in general?

I’m not sure what advice to give people for other internships, but I can give advice on mine. I would say to pace your self. If you try and go all day long doing one big research project you’re mind will explode. It’s better to pace yourself and set small daily tasks. Also, organization is key. Once you’ve compiled all the information you need, another big task is organizing it into a logical order. Other than that I would just advice the person to not be afraid to ask questions and to do their best.

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