A Marketing, Information Technology & Systems, and History Triple Major
Monarch Internship Academy
Reflection
This is the reflection of my internship as a Humanities Data Intern at Old Dominion University. Reflection requirements regarding my resume and professional goals can be found on previous pages of my e-portfolio.
Internship Overview
During my internship as a Humanities Data Intern, my role involved organizing data, attending design thinking sessions, creating a survey for INNOVATE session participants, analyzing survey results, and sorting and organizing session design pitches. I worked closely with Dr. Zanoni, Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Nwandu-Vincent, collaborating on key projects such as developing the survey and building a data analysis workbook in Excel. These efforts provided valuable insights into both internship experiences and the effectiveness of the design thinking sessions. The internship process was well-structured with open communication, regular weekly or bi-weekly meetings, and a supportive environment that offered good feedback without micromanaging.
Work-Based Learning Projects
One of the primary projects I worked on during my internship was creating a survey for the INNOVATE design thinking sessions, covering both the summer and spring sessions. This survey, developed in Google Forms, consisted of demographic and experience-based questions. I began by identifying the goals of the sessions to shape the survey content effectively. After administering the survey, I independently analyzed the responses, searching for key correlations, takeaways, and ideas. Although I completed the project on my own, I received valuable feedback from my mentors throughout the process. Through this experience, I gained new skills in Excel, data analysis, and survey design. These experiences deepened my understanding of data organization, further connecting to my academic training in the humanities, where attention to detail and critical analysis are essential. As this data is NDA-bound, it is not included in this reflection. Professionally, this project helped me refine my data-handling skills, which I think are increasingly relevant in both research and broader marketing industry applications.
Internship Reflection
Which disciplinary skills did you use?
I applied several disciplinary skills from the humanities, such as critical thinking, data organization, and the ability to identify patterns and correlations in information. Additionally, I used technical skills like data analysis in Excel, survey design using Google Forms, and research methodologies to gather and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.
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What advice would you offer future interns?
I would advise future interns to stay proactive and manage their time effectively, especially when working independently. It's important to ask for feedback, even if you're given a lot of freedom. Regular communication with mentors can help clarify objectives and improve your work. Also, embrace any learning opportunities that arise, particularly those involving new technical skills.
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How did this internship deepen your understanding of your field?
This internship deepened my understanding of how humanities research skills translate into practical work environments, particularly in data-driven contexts. I gained a clearer sense of how design thinking methodologies can be used in conjunction with human-centered data to improve processes and how insights from data can drive decision-making.
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What’s next for you professionally?
Professionally, I plan to further develop my skills in data analysis and project management. I’m interested in pursuing more opportunities that combine my humanities background with data-driven approaches, possibly in roles that involve research, working with business or historical institutions.
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