This Spring, as she was completing her first year of MSEM studies at USF, Analia Alvarado also worked as a professional development intern (PDI) in the Commission Office of San Francisco Recreation & Parks. She was based at McLaren Lodge, where she archived historic artifacts in the commission vault. This role augmented her academic experience and built on the knowledge she gained while earning her bachelor of science degree in sustainability studies from the University of California Riverside.
We recently connected with Analia to learn about her experience and get her perspective on the intersections between her internship and the MSEM program.
Tell us a little about a day-in-the-life of your internship.
“I went through 150 years of artifacts, which included maps, municipal records, blueprints, books, photos, meeting minutes, and paintings. I communicated with the public library and was approved to get all the artifacts in the commission vault properly archived in a climate-controlled room, to be preserved for future generations. With the information I found in the vault, I was able to create 12 weekly newsletters which were published and sent out to every SF Rec and Park employee through the eConnection (emails that update employees on park events).
On top of this, I attended the monthly commission and operations meetings at City Hall. I took minutes for the Parks, Recreation, Open Space Advisory Committee (PROSAC) meetings, and I attended RPI talks where I was able to communicate with different employees in the park system and learn about their career journeys.”
Open Space Advisory Committee (PROSAC)
How were you able to use what you’ve learned as a MSEM student while on the job?
“I was able to utilize the presentation skills I learned as an MSEM student. In almost every MSEM class, the final consisted of a presentation – which I became thankful for when my internship came to a close. At the end of my internship, I had to present a final capstone project to the higher-ups in the park, and at a City Hall meeting I presented to the Commissioners which was very nerve-racking. But MSEM helped me with my presentation skills, as all my professors gave me constructive feedback.”
What are your big takeaways from completing year one of the MSEM program?
“My biggest takeaway from completing my first year of the MSEM program was learning to start my master’s project early. This summer I am taking some time to do research and hopefully have a better understanding of the research I hope to present next year.”
How have these experiences (internship and classroom work) helped shape your career aspirations and what you want to do next?
“In my internship, I had a unique experience where I worked closely with the SF Rec & Parks Commissioners, the general manager, and district volunteers. Seeing how passionate all these individuals are about the well-being of the community and the environment has inspired me to pursue a career where I can work on critical environmental justice issues.”
What advice do you have for incoming or prospective MSEM students?
“I am someone who is still unsure of what specific career path I want to pursue. The faculty and my peers have been very understanding of my being so unsure, so I would say it is completely ok to not know what path you want to take.”
