“I really appreciated the opportunity to exercise autonomy in this role. I was able to help clients directly without guidance.”
-Thomas, 2023 Intern
Thomas Gala-Garza is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, pursuing a major within the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program. Thomas was able to explore the intersections of these fields through his internship at The Digital Summer Clinic. He was placed at Spark Ann Arbor, where he embarked on a dynamic internship journey. Thomas’s role at Spark Ann Arbor involved a diverse array of responsibilities, from marketing initiatives to website development. Thomas worked on graphic design projects extending from creating engaging content calendars for company social media posts to developing the company’s website using WordPress. Thomas’s technical skills also came to the fore as he troubleshooted website issues, showcasing his problem-solving abilities. He reflects that he began the internship with several skills but little experience, and finished the internship with numerous new skills and experiences.
One of Thomas’s standout achievements was the creation of an ES client portal, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing client experiences. Additionally, he personally crafted postcards for client outreach, showcasing his dedication to building meaningful connections. Thomas also played a pivotal role in event marketing and assisted individuals in applying for the Comcast RISE grant, highlighting his commitment to community engagement.
Another benefit of the internship for Thomas was the opportunity to have weekly presentations with the mentor team. In these meetings, Thomas would share weekly status updates regarding his work at Spark Ann Arbor. This allowed him to demonstrate his continued growth throughout the internship and work on his presentation skills.
Thomas states, “I really appreciated the opportunity to exercise autonomy in this role. I was able to help clients directly without guidance. I appreciated the level of trust shown by my supervisor for that level of autonomy.” Thomas’s frequent interactions with staff and clients not only enhanced his networking skills but also enabled him to forge valuable connections within the industry. “I’m glad that I used this opportunity as a stepping stone into the professional world. I met a lot of employers and built connections with them,” Thomas states.