Emily Holzman interned with F.O.R.C.E. and gained hands-on experience in event planning, digital marketing and public speaking while creating inclusive spaces and promoting feminist
advocacy.
How did you get your internship?
I was able to get this internship through my connections at the UA. I originally heard about this internship through a classmate in one of my Applied Humanities courses and took it upon myself to do some research on it during my search for internships. After doing research on FORCE (Feminists Organized to Resist, Create, and Empower), I knew this was an organization that I wanted to be a part of. So, I waited for the fall applications to open, immediately sent in my form, and got an interview with the advisor and director.
Why did you choose this internship?
FORCE really focuses on creating a safe space for different identities and intersectional feminism. I chose this internship because I have always been passionate and interested in social justice work and wanted to be able to contribute to the progression of its mission. I saw this opportunity not only as a way to gain valuable experience and skills but also as a chance to deepen my understanding of issues I care deeply about.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
During my internship, I was responsible for organizing two workshops each semester, which involved managing budgets and creating marketing materials. I also supported weekly workshops facilitated by other interns to help ensure their success. I helped restock our feminist pharmacy, which provides essential menstrual and contraceptive products to over 3,000 students on campus. I was also part of the marketing committee for our major semester event, where I contributed to designing and creating posts, flyers, and other digital marketing to promote our event. Lastly, I participated in weekly Monday meetings, where we discussed assigned readings on critical topics related to intersectional feminism. On Fridays, I attended meetings focused on resume writing, community building, committee assignments, and other professional development activities.
What skills did you learn and practice during this internship?
During this internship, I gained a lot of new knowledge and built skills that I know I’ll use in the future. I really improved my digital marketing skills from designing and creating posts, flyers, and other materials to promote our workshops and events. I also got better at presenting and communicating by organizing and helping with workshops, where I had to clearly explain ideas and connect with different audiences. Being a part of team meetings and discussions gave me practice in sharing my thoughts, working with others, and contributing to meaningful conversations. All of this not only taught me a lot about intersectional feminism but also gave me confidence in my ability to present ideas and communicate well in different settings.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you or give you unique insight for the internship experience?
My Applied Humanities coursework really helped me prepare for this internship and gave me a unique perspective throughout the experience. The focus on cultural understanding and community engagement in my classes helped me connect with the diverse audiences I worked with during workshops and events. I also learned the importance of empathy and critical thinking, which allowed me to approach our work with a better understanding of intersectionality and how to create inclusive spaces. The skills I learned like project management, communication, and problem-solving were super helpful for tasks like organizing events, managing budgets, and creating marketing materials.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
One of the most challenging parts of my internship was presenting in front of people. Organizing and facilitating workshops meant I had to explain ideas clearly and confidently to a group, which was something I wasn’t fully comfortable with at first. However, over time I learned how to prepare better and focus on engaging with the audience rather than worrying about speaking perfectly. I practiced my presentations beforehand, paid attention to what resonated with participants, and learned how to adapt myself based on my workshops. This experience not only improved my public speaking skills but also gave me more confidence in my ability to share ideas and lead discussions.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
My advice for other students is to look for an internship that really connects with what you’re passionate about or interested in. When your work aligns with your values or things you genuinely care about, it feels more meaningful, and you’ll be more motivated to put in the effort. For me, choosing an internship focused on social justice allowed me to grow in an area I deeply care about, which made the experience very rewarding. Also, once you start your internship, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone by asking questions, taking on a big project, presenting in front of people, or learning a new skill. Challenges are where you grow the most. It’s also important to take time to build relationships with the people you’re working with. They can teach you a lot and might even help lead you to future opportunities.