Interning for the Executive Continues!

Recently at Mayor Wharton’s Office, I’ve been assisting the office and my supervisor with the preparation and construction of a day-long visit from the Lumina Foundation.  This Foundation’s mission is to increase the number of degree-holding individuals in the U.S.  Their goal is for sixty-percent of Americans to attain some type of quality degree by 2025—associate and baccalaureate degrees and credentials.

During this visit, the Lumina Foundation was given the opportunity to speak, at different sessions, to a host of prominent educators and professionals of various departments of Memphis educational institutions, advocacy groups, and other program initiatives for student success; College Presidents had a special meeting with the Foundation.  The attendees, myself included, were given an overview of Lumina’s goals and plans for Memphis and a question-answer segment followed each overview.  This was particularly of interest to me, as I was able to witness the process of grant receipt and the inner and initial workings of aims dealing with city government and education in Memphis.  This is an opportunity that I wouldn’t have been given had I not been an Intern/Urban Fellow for the Mayor’s Office.
Also, before and after the sessions, I conversed with many passionate, goal-oriented professionals who were willing to share information about themselves and their career choices.  I made connections with a few faculty members of other Memphis area colleges and we discussed the classes I take at Rhodes and the courses they teach at their respective universities.  They really seemed interested in my studies at Rhodes and post-graduation plans.  I was so excited to talk with them about how long they’ve held their positions and what interests them most about them.  I received positive insight and became even more confident in my networking skills.

 Another project that consumes my hours includes keeping constant contact with members of the People First Partnership, Leadership Academy, and Community Association Project, which are some of the groups/programs that my supervisor, Dr. Scarboro, is heavily involved in.  Often times, I’m sent all questions and requests from these groups, and I answer and assist based on my knowledge of the operations of the Office of Talent and Human Capital and other efforts pushed and spearheaded by Dr. Scarboro.

Profiling established and/or influential Memphians by interviewing them for a highlight on the Memphis City Government website is another task I’ve been given during my time at the Mayor’s Office.  Once again, this connection with individuals in the Memphis community provides me with a poignant source of networking and knowledge gained through learning their reasons for living and working in Memphis as well as the opportunities they’ve taken advantage of. 

I’m still completely joyful and excited about my internship at the Mayor’s Office.  With every new project, I learn about more programs, organizations, and functions of city government--some, of which, are considerable career options.