The moment I stepped onto the University of Georgia’s campus my freshman year, I was hopeful for what the next four years would bring. I had dreams of what I would accomplish, the people I would meet, and the experiences I would go through. My expectations were not just met; they were exceeded. As a SPIA student, I quickly learned about the countless opportunities to gain hands-on experience through professors, advisors, and the frequent SPIA advising news emails. It was in one of those emails that I stumbled upon a list of current internship and job opportunities across government relations, nonprofits, think tanks, and more. Little did I know that skimming through that email would lead me to an internship that was the perfect fit for me.
On the list, I was immediately drawn to the Athens Area Community Foundation, so I submitted my resume, completed the application, and interviewed with the staff. A few weeks later, I received an email back and was offered the Fall Fellow position! Because this was my first internship since high school, I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Some advice: If you are stepping into an internship feeling a little overwhelmed, it is completely normal. Maybe it is your first internship, your first time stepping outside of your comfort zone, or your first chance to gain experience that will shape your future career. Instead of fearing the unknown, try to view the opportunity as a chance to sharpen your skills, collaborate with others, and apply what SPIA has taught you both inside and outside of the classroom.
During my internship, I had the privilege of working on projects for the Empty Stocking Fund, Kirby Smart Family Foundation, Resilient Northeast Georgia, and the Nonprofit of the Year Award, among many others. Each one has pushed me to grow, taught me something new, and reminded me why this work matters. The Athens Area Community Foundation is committed to excellence in every aspect of the job, and the staff takes great pride in being thoughtful, trustworthy stewards of community resources. This internship allowed me to fully understand the impact of the lessons I have learned in SPIA classrooms: how to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach community challenges with empathy and purpose. SPIA does not just teach its students about public service; it prepares us to live it out. For that reason, and many others, I am deeply grateful to be a student in SPIA.
Author:
Anna Kate Robinson
B.A. International Affairs; B.A. Political Science; Minor in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State; Certificate in Global Studies | Class of 2026
