Why did you choose Bishops Gate for your
internship this summer?
Mind: “I interned last year and had a great
experience working with the golf and fitness
coaches, so I decided to return this year.”
Angela: “I also had good experiences with IJGA in
the past so when I needed an internship to satisfy
college requirements I thought, “Why not, IJGA?”
Familiarity with the program was a big plus for me.
I felt confident in my abilities to make a difference
for staff and students alike.”
Fiona: “I knew the other interns and looked forward
to seeing them.”
Christian: “I wanted a summer job aligned with
my personal goals. I was looking to improve my
time management skills, work with numbers, and
develop leadership skills. I also wanted to work on
my golf game. I approached IJGA because it was a
good fit for me.”
Does the internship experience meet your
expectations?
Fiona: “I expected it to be a bit more formal. I
quickly realized that managed chaos and structured
formality go hand-in-hand. The interns have bonded
over this. We lean on each other for support and we
bounce ideas off one another. We don’t sit around
and wait for someone to tell us what to do.”
Mind: “I’m proud of the way we work as a group.”
Angela: “I learned a lot more than I expected to. I
did not realize just how important problem-solving
and communications are in day-to-day operations.
When things go sideways, you can affect the whole
academy. It’s critical to keep others informed on our
activities and to solve problems as they arise.”
Mind: “Splitting my time between three different
committees isn’t what I expected. I have to manage
my time effectively to make sure nothing falls
through the cracks. Having worked in the Wingate
University marketing department and as a volunteer
at professional sporting events, I was able to step
right into IJGA’s social media and alumni marketing.
The measurement committee is the only one that
feels like work.”
Christian: “Initially, I was hoping to work in
accounting and finance, but it didn’t play out
that way. Instead, I am managing the golf cart
maintenance program and I’m okay with that.
Keeping 120 golf carts up and running requires
attention to detail and a lot of coordination. While
I’m proud of the way the carts are performing, I’ve
learned more about dealing with people than any
technical skills. That’s cool.”
What are you doing to affect the organization at a
deep level?
Christian: I’m mentoring two students who work
part-time in the cart garage at night. I hope to
show them how to manage others. My nature is to
be forceful and direct, but I am trying hard to be
encouraging and effective. I explain what needs to
be done, when it needs to be done, then I get out of
the way. I think it’s important to give the students
space and time to work things out on their own.”
Angela: “We’ve been able to connect with the
students in a unique way. Like many of them, we
were not able to travel home this summer to visit
friends and family. We know what isolation feels
like. We also realize that we are protected from
COVID-19 craziness… all of us are blessed to be at
Bishops Gate. Having that connection has helped us
make new friends.”
Mind: “We encourage the students to mingle with
kids from other countries. For example, when
picking sides for recreational volleyball or soccer,
if Team A picks a Mexican student Team B must
follow suit. This blending helps students connect
and relate to people outside their normal circle
of friends. I see more mixing today than when we
arrived and that feels good.”
Fiona: “There is a greater appreciation for others
and that has led to deeper, stronger relationships.”
What have you learned from this experience?
Fiona: “This is my first job; the lessons learned are
many. I now know what it means to be accountable
for my actions, how to talk to older people, and the
importance of presenting IJGA in a positive light. I
have a different perspective on things.”
Mind: “No one knew who I was when I first arrived;
they thought I was a summer camper or student
golfer. I worked hard to get involved, and I am
proud of all we accomplished. The differences in
social media marketing and our alumni committee
are amazing!”
Angela: “The internship was good for me on a
personal level. I learned a lot about myself and
what it takes to overcome challenges. It gave me
confidence and I look forward to returning to IU for
my senior year. I expect big things.”
Christian: “I learned how to make friends with
people who are different from me. I got to know the
other interns, we hang out and play golf together.
The interns got to know the students. Last week,
the other interns and I were eating dinner together
and before I knew it we were surrounded by more
than a dozen students. We were laughing and
telling jokes. It was a safe place for a diverse group
of students to mingle, work on their English, and
develop friendships. That’s not something you plan;
you just have to let it happen.”
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