Bethel College students navigate personal and professional growth through D.C. internships
Andrew Graber and Eli Regier reflect on their time in Washington D.C. with the Washington Community Scholars Program (WCSC) this past semester.
For some students, completing an internship is a requirement for graduation. Typically, an internship is a short-term job that provides students and recent graduates with practical experience in a professional setting. Bethel College offers various opportunities and connections to help students find an ideal internship that aligns with their career goals and interests.
Andrew Graber, a senior from Divide, Colo., majoring in business with a minor in communication, and Eli Regier, a fifth-year student from Newton majoring in music education, both had the opportunity to complete internships in Washington, D.C., through the Washington Community Scholars Program (WCSC) this past semester.
Graber worked at Manna Inc., an affordable housing company that manages and leases properties while also subcontracting some to landlords. The organization maintains these properties and advocates for affordable housing in Washington, D.C. Discussing his responsibilities, Graber noted, “I helped with marketing, took photos, updated their website, and secured fundraising money and donations. I worked 20 hours a week and had two classes after my internship.”
Regier, on the other hand, had the opportunity to pursue teaching in the nation’s capital. He expanded on his role, saying, “I completed my student teaching at Gonzaga College High School. I was co-teaching high school band, jazz, orchestra, percussion ensemble, and AP music theory.”
Living arrangements were an interesting experience for both students. Graber shared, “We had lots of people from different backgrounds, and because there are only nine people, you have to know everyone really well.”
Regier added, “I lived in a community with eight other college students from multiple universities, and we cooked, cleaned, and took classes together while we were not busy with our internship.” He emphasized that this experience allowed them to step out of their comfort zones and meet people from all around the world.
Beyond their responsibilities, Graber enjoyed exploring hobbies during his time in D.C. “I was biking a lot. There is a street named after every state, and we rode there. Also, since D.C. is a big city, there is so much to do. There is movie night on the National Mall, there is a symphony on Capitol Hill, and it is free to go watch.”
Both Graber and Regier reflected on the personal growth they experienced. Regier remarked, “Now is the time to do something out of your field. At this time of your life, we are not yet tied down. This is precisely the time when we should wander outside of our comfort zones.”
“Now is the time to do something out of your field. At this time of your life, we are not yet tied down. This is precisely the time when we should wander outside of our comfort zones.”
Eli Regier
Graber reinforced this idea, saying, “There are so many opportunities around the country where you can experience a whole different culture and way of living that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise, and it is way more fun to go do something like that.”
Both emphasized the importance of building relationships and connections. Regier noted, “Connections get you jobs, not credentials. Resumes are just words on a paper. It is building relationships that will lead you to your dream job.”
Similarly, Graber shared, “I talked to a lot of companies. Habitat for Humanity in D.C.—we partnered with them. I got to talk to the CEO of CNHED. It is crazy because even the bigger companies are willing to help, share contacts, or give advice on whatever you need.”
Regier summed up his experience by encouraging students to pursue similar opportunities: “Why not do it in Washington, D.C.? When else will you have the chance to live in a big city at no extra cost, receive ample support from professors, and build your professional network across the country?”
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