Our first class of sustainability interns had a full and enrishing summer. Here, Sarah Ward, who interned with Indiana Living Green, reports on the experience.
Once spring semester ends everyone is ready for a long summer break. So why would anyone be crazy enough to take on an internship during summer vacation? The experience most definitely is worth the hard work and time away from the beach.
![ILG1100](https://blogs.iu.edu/sustainthefuture/files//2012/08/ILG1100-300x42.png)
This summer I was lucky enough to be awarded an internship at Indiana Living Green that was offered to me by Professor and Director of the Sustainability Studies Mike Keen. I had to interview for the position like I would for a paying position and was very nervous but thankfully my charm and experience got me the job.
![GC solar](https://blogs.iu.edu/sustainthefuture/files//2012/08/GC-solar-300x200.jpg)
![ug sign #4](https://blogs.iu.edu/sustainthefuture/files//2012/08/ug-sign-4-300x224.jpg)
I shared my experience with four other students looking for some resume juice and helpful hands-on training. Sarah Taylor worked for Starfish Project, Melanie Peters worked at Rise Up Farms, Joseph Chandler worked for Better World Books, and Reginald Young worked at Unity Gardens. All of us had such different experiences and from our conversations in meetings we all learned a lot.
![rise up tractor](https://blogs.iu.edu/sustainthefuture/files//2012/08/rise-up-tractor-300x225.jpg)
![reg in garden](https://blogs.iu.edu/sustainthefuture/files//2012/08/reg-in-garden-150x150.jpg)
When we are finally are able to slide our tassel to the side and throw our caps in the air we will have invaluable experience on our resume to show potential employers. Interning is an essential part of the college experience it is real life job training that cannot be learned from reading a $500 text book.
![earthbook](https://blogs.iu.edu/sustainthefuture/files//2012/08/earthbook.jpg)
I would recommend anyone in any field to intern whether it is in the summer or during the school year. Opportunity does not knock on every door and when it does knock it is not that often take what you can when you can get it and success is sure to follow. I am so glad for my mentors and the Sustainability Department for pushing me and showing me all the possibilities that are out there and I hope to inspire others to reach their goals as well.
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