Today, we travel to Washington, D.C. as Joyce '23 participates in The Washington Center Program. From an internship with Cushman & Wakefield, to a leadership course, to cooking with roommates, follow along on Joyce's day!
Through UNH's partnership with The Washington Center, UNH students of all majors participate in internships and seminars in Washington, D.C. Learn more about The Washington Center Program at UNH.
Meet Joyce Ngwe '23
Hometown: Milford, NH
Major: Health Management and Policy
Campus Involvement: TRIO scholar, math tutor, honors student
This Summer, I was an intern with The Washington Center (TWC) located in Washington, D.C. The internship is in three parts: a field internship, an evening course and seminars held virtually or in person. My field internship was with Cushman & Wakefield. My evening course was called Essentials for Aspiring Leaders. We had seminars scheduled mid-day virtually or in the evenings after work.
Morning
6:30 a.m.
I wake up in my apartment at the The Washington Center (TWC) Residential and Academic Facility (RAF) in Washington, D.C. and get ready for the day. I do a quick morning exercise, cook breakfast, eat, take a shower and get dressed for work. I packed my backpack for work the previous night with all that I needed for work along with my snacks and lunch for the day. Though my workday does not begin until 9 a.m., I wake up early to give myself enough time to commute to work by the metro train.
8:15 a.m.
It takes me about seven minutes to walk to the train station. I take the train to work.
The primary means of commuting through Washington, D.C. is the metro train.
9 a.m.
I am at my desk at work with my cup of tea and my laptop, ready to begin the day. I begin my workday by checking my emails to review feedback from previously completed tasks and to check for new tasks assigned. As an intern student, I work with the Tenant Representatives team. I reach out to my supervisors for new projects if one has not yet been assigned. I complete assigned projects and work with other departments as assigned. I reach out for directions and feedback as needed.
A typical office day with fellow interns and my supervisor at Cushman & Wakefield in Washington, D.C.
Afternoon 1 p.m.
I take my lunch break between 1 and 2 p.m. or sometimes later depending on the task that I am working on. I also attend virtually scheduled seminars. TWC hosts virtual seminars in the afternoon. Other in-person networking seminars are held later in the day after work. I also have opportunities to attend conventions like the American Psychological Association (APA) 2023 convention.
At the 2023 American Psychological Association (APA) Convention.
2 p.m.
I continue to work on my tasks for the day. I submit completed tasks and reach out for additional projects. I shadow other departments as assigned by my supervisor, including: capital market, research analytics, appraisal & advisory, marketing, sales, landlord representative, etc. I also go for building tours as scheduled.
5 p.m.
My day at the office comes to an end and I head home to the TWC RAF.
A few of the numerous events, including a picnic, tours of historic sights (museums and monuments) and a tour of the Senate and House galleries. Events like these usually take place on a Friday.
Evening 5:30 p.m.
I rest, eat dinner and prepare for my evening course. I ensure that my laptop and notebooks are in my backpack. On the day of our final presentation, in preparation for class, a couple of my fellow TWC interns joined me to bake a British-style fish pie to share with our classmates. It was great fun.
A typical evening after work before our evening class. Baking British-style fish pie in preparation for our final presentation for our leadership evening course.
6:30 p.m.
My evening class, Essentials for Aspiring Leaders, begins. We have a very interactive classroom where we share and contribute as needed, while learning the essential skills of a great leader. I interact with other classmates while we learn and share ideas on the different leadership styles and how to develop great leadership skills.
8:30 p.m.
We go watch the Navy Band play some music. We walk around the Capitol to enjoy the cool breeze and night view. This helps relax our minds from the day’s work and prepares us to be ready to face a new day.
D.C. at night. An evening walk around the Capitol after watching the Navy Band play.
9:30 p.m.
We head home to the TWC RAF. I get my backpack ready for work the next day. I read a short passage, listen to some calm music or watch an interesting movie.
11 p.m.
I get ready for bed and get a very restful night’s sleep.
