This summer, my fellow interns and I were afforded the opportunity to be a part of the Pension Boards’ 2019 Inaugural Summer Internship Program (June 10-August 9, 2019). What initially drew me to the Pension Boards was their commitment to corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and social justice initiatives. I was excited to be working for an organization whose values corresponded with my own; however, I could not imagine what was to come.

From the second I arrived at the Pension Boards, every person I met was not only intelligent and pragmatic, but also kind and good hearted. Throughout the internship program, we were tasked with challenging organizational norms as a team and as individuals, but to also have fun! I found this internship to be educational in a multitude of ways: I learned a lot about the different areas of the Pension Boards’ work, and gained a new skill set in the process; I learned more about myself and my career interests; and most importantly, I learned about the importance of transparency and collaboration within an organization.

Leadership Roundtables
As part of the internship program, we had a weekly opportunity to sit down with a departmental leader or representative and hear their story, which included their accomplishments, life obstacles, and lessons they learned along their work/life journey.  I gained more information from my mentors than any position could offer. The value of the wisdom shared with us during these sessions is incalculable and lasting.

Team Building Events
In addition to the education we received, my fellow interns and I participated in a lot of fun events such as a New York City scavenger hunt, an all-staff barbeque that was filled with games and activities, and a fun night of bowling! All of these events were intended to foster team building and empower our working relationships.

Overall, I have had a great experience at the Pension Boards and have grown to love the family-oriented environment it offers. I am grateful for all that I have learned, the experiences I have had, and the people I have met. If I could go back in time and do the program over again, I would.

*Ashley Kuzmech is a senior at Baruch College in New York City studying Human Resource Management and Sociology.