#Emtern Spotlight: Supporting Communication at Boston’s Public Library

Emerson interns (#emterns) work for amazing organizations and do fascinating things. One in a series of conversations with #emterns, republished from Careerbuzz.

The Boston Public Library (BPL) is a cornerstone of the city. Known as a hub for tourism and knowledge, the BPL welcomes its visitors to a beautiful interior, as well as an incredible amount of knowledge. The newly launched BPL Fund hosted Alyssa Lara ’22, a Media Arts Production major, as an intern from September to December 2020. Note: Alyssa answered these questions while still working at BPL.

How did you find out about this opportunity, and what drew you to it?

I found this internship while I was browsing through LinkedIn over the summer. I was drawn to it because I recognized the Boston Public Library as a public institution that offered a lot of great opportunities for the community, therefore I wanted to learn more about it behind the scenes, because I have always been really interested in working in [the] non-profit [sector].

What were some of your responsibilities during your internship?

Some of the responsibilities at my internship include working closely with my supervisor, the communications officer, to carry out projects that will ensure good communication between the Fund, the Library, and the public. Every week, we have a team meetings on Fridays, in which I am able to listen in on what is going on with the different departments of the Fund, and learn more about what working in a non-profit organization is like.

What accomplishment were you most proud of during this internship?

While I am very proud of the projects that I have done for the Fund, I have learned a lot about how to navigate a work life that is completely online. I’ve been learning a lot about what it is like to work on my own and manage my time without someone directly looking over my shoulder.

What advice do you have for people interested in this internship or opportunities similar to yours?

Don’t be afraid to apply to job postings you see online! I’m surprised to have seen this opportunity through LinkedIn, but I thought it was a good fit because it aligned with my career goals.