This fall, I had the incredible opportunity to join the RIPE Science Communications team, where I honed my skills in writing, interviewing, and communicating complex topics to diverse audiences. The experience challenged me to grow in unexpected ways and equipped me with valuable skills for the future.

The internship provided me with a platform for creativity and autonomy in my work. From crafting articles to designing visual templates, I was encouraged to take ownership of my work and pursue my own vision for projects. The level of trust allowed me to develop both my technical abilities and confidence in decision-making and problem-solving.

My time at RIPE, however, didn’t come without its challenges. Balancing my academic workload alongside internship responsibilities was tougher than expected, and time management became crucial for my success. Fortunately, the RIPE team was accommodating and supportive of my needs, and their flexibility allowed me to meet my goals without feeling overwhelmed.

One of the most significant lessons throughout the semester was learning how to be adaptable. Writing about foreign and complex topics meant learning new terms, concepts, and ways to articulate ideas clearly.  While it was daunting early on, with practice, I began to feel more comfortable producing work, facilitating insightful conversations with researchers, and translating technical pieces into accessible text.

Overall, the RIPE internship exceeded my already high expectations. It pushed me to improve my skills while offering exposure to interesting and impactful research. Beyond the technical growth, this experience reinforced the importance of pursuing my curiosity in a professional setting.

For anyone looking to grow as a communicator, writer, or researcher, I can’t recommend this opportunity enough. The RIPE team empowers interns to learn, create, and make an impact, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of the team and this journey.

RIPE is currently accepting applications for our Spring 2025 internship/mentorship program. The full job description and how to apply can be found here.