Name: Danielle McGrogan

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: International Rescue Committee (IRC) | Title of Your Position: Development Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s): Global Studies

Expected Graduation Year: December 2016

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

I have been interning at the International Rescue Committee since September. Originally, during the fall semester, I was a Case Management intern. My main responsibility was to assist Caseworkers resettle newly arrived refugees. I would take clients on important medical and social services appointments, and be their advocate anyway possible. I would also manage client flies and track necessary services that were reported to IRC headquarters and other international organizations. Currently, for the spring semester, I am interning under the IRC Development Coordinator. My day-to-day task include writing donor thank you letters, editing grant proposals, and looking for possible donors. I'm also helping plan the Baltimore's World Refugee Day event in June!

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

After discovering the IRC website, I searched for current internship positions available. After reading through the directions, I emailed my cover letter and resume to the volunteer coordinator, and heard back within a few weeks.

Which of the following resources did you use to find your current experience?

I volunteered with Refugee Youth Project prior to my internship.

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

Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of interning at the IRC has been working with the clients (refugees). I have met so many wonderful and humble people who deserve the life they have built in Baltimore. One of my most memorable moments was picking up a family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo from the airport and showing them their new home. It gave the IRC's statement mission statement, "from harm to home", a true meaning.

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

Working in an international non-profit has been rewarding in so many aspects. Everyday, as I walk through the office, I hear at least 3-4 conversations in different languages. All of the IRC staff are passionate about helping clients reach their fullest potential and sustain themselves. The amount of diversity and love in the office creates a family like other!

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

If you want to intern at the IRC or a related office, be prepared to learn not only about challenges refugees face and the resettlement process, but about yourself and your role in society. Although it may be hard and tedious at time (especially writing case notes), it's important to remember how your small acts impact a larger picture! The IRC also prefers to hire interns (and past interns) for employment openings, which is a huge plus!

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / the internship placement process.

The International Rescue Committee is an awesome non-profit with a family-like atmosphere. If you're interested in understanding more about global issues, social work, and/or non-profit management, I highly suggest you apply!

* Danielle is also a part of the Shattuck Family Internship Program 

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