This here will be my last blog for the FAUP internship. Afterwards, you may be getting less or more blogs depending on what's going on and what's happening in my life.
But either way, let's jump to it!
Personal
I have gained a lot from my internship. Into my field, I have gained a lot of insight and wisdom. Such as if you want to start a business with freelance photography, you need to totally dramatically realize what costs you will have to incur, such as office costs, insurance, equipment, and software. Insights into what kind of equipment to buy and how important organization in a business has also really taught me about my field and how things for photographers are a bit harder depending on what field you go into.
My academic and career goals have been a bit more confirmed since I've been here. This has given me the practical experience and confidence that helps me to understand how the field works and what would need to be done in order to be where I would want to. I am now thinking (as I was before) that academically I will be pursuing a degree in International PhotoJournalism, a degree that I will be creating myself- through combining a photography, international studies, and communications and culture major- with a journalism certificate. I am still also pursuing a career in photojournalism in NGOs, which I was thinking about before I arrived here, but wasn't sure of. On the side, I will be pursuing a career just in family photography, which opens a lot of windows and opportunities.
This internship did impact me personally. It helped my perspectives of people grow and helped me to understand how people view religion and Christianity and God. That's what was most important to me... as well as being able to relate to these people. I've been able to understand what alcohol in moderation is enjoyable, and have been strengthened in character so that I am able to stand up to pressures and questions that come to my decisions, faith, and Christian walk.
In terms of skills, I learned that I really did not know much about photography before I started this internship. I did realize that I have a knack for quick learning and am able to pick up the skills for editing and post processing very easily. Come to think of it, I really do enjoy the post processing and the skills that I'm learning I actually enjoy all the parts to photography. All the skills I'm learning I didn't know about before, but all of them tune right into my creativity and organization skills, directing, and spontenaeity. Like changed schedules and strange ideas, new software and photo shoots where I am nominated as director. The skills I'm learning tune right into who I am as a person :)
I was disappointed in a lot of things that happened here at the internship: such as the disorganization and miscommunication. I did learn from this that I need to be patient when people don't understand or plans go wrong, because when plans break, that is an opportunity to remember God is in charge. Those were the main things I did experience, as well as times when I was wrongly accused of blatantly being late and for not swimming up when the dive master instructed me to. Through this, I really have learned patience.
To be a hundred percent honest, I would have acted different socially the first month, instead of being scared of how people were partying all the time I would have loved them and asked questions and been a ray of hope to do other things. The second month, I would have not kept a grudge against being wrongly accused and instead continued to take my responsibilities and not act negatively to the other interns or field specialists because of what happened. I do think that I have been very good these past two months in taking advantage of the oppourtunities given to me and learning as many skills and getting the most insight possible into what type of equipment to buy and how to run a business and what field of photography to go in.
Work Performance
My responsibilities increased during the internship. During the first month, I was given the responsibility of the keys to the office so that the interns would be able to get inside and work on editing photos at nighttime. During the second month though, I was unspokenly given the responsibility to make sure the interns got done what needed to be done so that the clients could get their photos. I Was also put in charge of the second set of keys for the computer lab, so that we would be able to get to more computers.
I approached assigned tasks exactly as they were given to me. I did them quickly and efficiently so that the photos would be edited and returned as quickly as possible. I did not however, do this with the feature article that I was supposed to be writing this month. I left that until the last moment, and I won't do that again, because the last bits of the pitching of the article and reediting will probably not be done until I am back home in America, which means the process will go slower.
My greatest accomplishment during the internship was the shooting of my photos got better, the editing did, and overall, my understanding of the skills did. Everyone can see this though my photos for the competition this month, which were both phenomenal- and are wanted for one of the faculty members living room and bathroom. I will put them up on facebook so you can see. with better photos will come better opportunities and potential business in the future.
I do feel that my work contributed to the organization because I demanded organization from the interns and directed many different shoots so that the work that the interns would get for FAUP's clients would be superb. I also feel that my work contributed to the organization because I was one of those interns who asked so many questions and demanded answers and organization from FAUP itself.
I do not feel that my supervisor, Louis, provided me with any criticism or feedback on my work performance, besides an occasional encouragement or word of warning when he felt that I needed it. Natasha, the supervisor that my class sees as the supervisor, has only provided me with feedback today on my photos for the competition.
I believe that I accepted constructive criticism well when I felt that the criticism was legitimate. There were many times, though, that the constructive criticism was illegitimate and I did not listen, but only ducked under it.
Future Plans
I have not recieved an offer for full-time employment after graduation. There have been mentions of if I ever wanted to come back to work, I could- so I guess that would be it. I would not completely consider it because I do not enjoy the office atmosphere, the disorganization, or miscommunication, but maybe three years from now it will be different.
I would like a career in the field of my internship because I enjoy the spontenity and creativity and how much it really reflects the Lord and his creation.
The next step in my career is entirely the Lord's plan, so I really don't have one. But at least, to get another internship in my city in order to get more networking starting in my town.
I hope your all great, and I'll see you soon! Five days!
Cheers!
- Sinikka