Intern Diaries – Hank Geng ’13

Name: Hank Geng ‘13
Major: Environmental Economics
Hometown: Oyster Bay, NY

Hank was a marketing intern at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, New Hampshire.  The Science Center is a nonprofit educational institution that strives to teach people about New Hampshire’s natural environment through first-hand experiences. The Science Center features an outdoor trail and animal exhibits with mountain lions, black bears, river otters, deer, and bobcats.  As a marketing intern, Hank primarily took photos and videos of the Science Center’s various events, lake cruises, and educational programs, but he also spearheaded a Facebook giveaway promotion as well as radio promotions for local stations. In addition, Hank also helped construct the Science Center’s new website.  Although it often seems that so many summer internship positions are unpaid, Hank was fortunate to receive a small stipend from the Science Center that was supplemented by an Otis Environmental Grant from Bates.  Each year, the Philip J. Otis Endowment encourages Bates students to further their “concern for and interests in the worlds of nature that Phil Otis ’95 demonstrated,” according to the Otis Program website.

Living the Rustic Life

The Science Center generously provided interns with a “rustic but spacious” wooden cottage for the summer, free of charge. Hank and fellow interns often discovered additional roommates such as bats, mice, and flying squirrels, but he claims that the experience was “overall very positive.”  Hank even remembers one night where the interns watched out their window as a bear tried to get into their trash can.  Overall, Hank thoroughly enjoyed working at the Science Center where he enjoyed the presence of friendly and professional colleagues that were always willing to answer any questions.  Hank had the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the organization; for example, he attended and photographed a donor event that involved a live variety show with the Science Center staff.  The internship also allowed Hank to enjoy all the lake cruises that the Science Center offered; he even had the chance to witness several bald eagles and loons during his summer on Squam Lake.

Reflections

Although Hank does not think he would return to the Science Center as a full-time employee, he appreciates that it was a unique experience that he will treasure.  The internship allowed him to network with many different people, and the experience taught Hank that he would someday like to work in the nonprofit sector.  Hank reflects, “The passion that the staff at the Science Center displayed for their work was like nothing I had ever seen. I can only hope that my future job is as rewarding.”  His departing advice?  “For students looking for summer 2013 internships, I would say: cast your net wide, and cast it early. Look for opportunities everywhere, whether it be online or through personal contacts. Leave no stone unturned.”