Olivia Dionisio interned with No Belt Required, gaining hands-on experience in marketing and media production by filming and editing classes, managing digital content, and conducting outreach to local businesses for first-responder discounts.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because No Belt Required’s mission immediately stood out to me. The organization focuses on supporting first responders through jiu-jitsu and self-defense training, which feels meaningful and impactful rather than just transactional work. I wanted an internship where I could contribute creatively while also learning how a non-profit organization operates behind the scenes. The opportunity to work in marketing and outreach aligned well with my interests in branding, storytelling, and communication. I also liked that this role wasn’t overly structured, which pushed me to take initiative and problem-solve on my own. Overall, it felt like a place where my work would actually matter.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
Throughout my internship, I worked primarily on marketing, content creation, and community outreach. I filmed jiu-jitsu classes, edited both short-form and long-form videos, and uploaded content for review and future use. I also created and maintained a list of local businesses that offered first responder discounts, reaching out to companies by phone and email to gather accurate information. In addition, I collaborated with supervisors and another intern to brainstorm new ideas for promoting memberships and community engagement. I attended meetings to plan upcoming initiatives and discuss how our content and discount listings would be used on the website. My work varied week to week, which helped me develop flexibility and time-management skills.
What new skills did you develop in this internship?
This internship helped me develop several transferable skills that I know will be useful in future roles. I strengthened my communication skills by reaching out to businesses, explaining NBR’s mission, and following up professionally. I learned how to create content with a specific audience in mind rather than just focusing on aesthetics. Time management was also a skill that had a big learning curve, especially balancing filming, editing, meetings, and outreach. I gained confidence working independently and making decisions without constant supervision. Overall, I learned how to adapt quickly and take ownership of projects from start to finish.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
My internship directly connected to my Applied Humanities degree because it required critical thinking, communication, and storytelling. Rather than focusing on one narrow technical skill, I had to understand people, audiences, and community impact. The work blended creativity with practical application, which reflects the interdisciplinary nature of Applied Humanities. The emphasis on human-centered work and ethical storytelling also aligned strongly with what I’ve learned in my coursework.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
One of the most challenging aspects of my internship was the lack of a rigid structure. At times, it was difficult to know what to prioritize or how much was “enough.” However, this challenge pushed me to become more self-directed and proactive. I learned how to ask better questions, manage my time more effectively, and communicate when I needed clarification. It also taught me how to be comfortable with ambiguity, which is a valuable real-world skill. By the end of the internship, I felt much more confident navigating open-ended responsibilities.
What was your favorite or most satisfying part of your internship?
My favorite part of the internship was seeing how my work contributed to a larger mission. Whether it was creating content that captured the energy of a class or adding another business to the discount list, it felt rewarding to know my efforts helped support first responders. I enjoyed collaborating with my supervisors and seeing ideas turn into real initiatives. Filming classes was especially meaningful because I could directly see the community impact.