Week 1: Launching My Internship with the Population Reference Bureau
Elena M -
This week marked the beginning of my internship with the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), an organization focused on providing data and analysis to inform policy decisions. My first day was primarily an orientation—getting to know the team, understanding the organization’s structure, and familiarizing myself with its ongoing projects. Think of it as syllabus week, but instead of course expectations, I got a crash course in the world of data-driven policy.
Beyond introductions, I also jumped into PRB’s social media marketing efforts. Because let’s face it—if important research isn’t effectively communicated, it’s like a tree falling in the forest with no one around to hear it. I’m excited to help develop strategies that make data more accessible and engaging while ensuring accuracy. Learning how to balance these elements in public-facing content will be an important skill to develop throughout this experience.
As the week continues, I’ll shift my focus toward my senior project on women’s financial empowerment. This means drafting interview questions to gain perspectives from professionals in the field and identifying key texts and research materials to support my work. My goal is to gather a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities women face in achieving financial independence and stability.
Starting this internship has already provided valuable insight into how data-driven organizations operate, and I look forward to deepening my research while gaining practical experience in policy communication. I’m eager to see how my work unfolds in the coming weeks and the contributions I can make to PRB’s mission.
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