As I am wrapping up my first week as an intern for NEXTDC, I wanted to reflect on what we did as a group.

The week opened up with getting oriented with the office, coworkers, and fellow interns. This week I have learned so much about building a professional brand and effectively networking myself to potential connections.

One of the highlights of this week was our group lunch at Carmine's where we spoke to a employees that played a crucial role in the incredible operation they run over there. We learned about how to effectively run a business in the restaurant world and how to make decisions in order to progress your brand/business.

Although this week was orientation based, I still learned so much and can't wait to see what's in store for the next 5 weeks.

Week 2 of my NEXTDC internship! 💙

This week was full of fun and new experiences! We visited the MLK Library, celebrated Ms. Brittany's birthday by making cupcakes together, toured the Morrow Hotel in NoMa, and had the opportunity to speak with DCPS. 

Every week I’m learning something new, meeting amazing people, and growing both personally and professionally. I’m excited to see what the rest of this internship has in store. Thank you, NEXTDC, for this incredible opportunity! 🎉✨

The end of this week marks the halfway point of my internship with NEXTDC, I have loved all the activities that we have done but this week was especially fun, organized by Christen Miller the Senior Partnerships Manager at NEXT DC. 

I was absent Monday so my week kicked off on Tuesday where we traveled to the national harbor to have an immersive experience where we toured the grounds and saw everything the space had to offer. My coworkers and I took a ride on the ferris wheel where we enjoyed sweeping panoramas of the National Harbor area, truly an amazing view. 

On Wednesday the group had a event space excursion where we toured various event spaces around dc such as Studio Theater and Keegan Theatre, ending the day at the 9:30 club where we got a glimpse of the daily operations that go on to have the shows going smoothly. 

Today I am researching and presenting an in depth analysis on the national book festival in order to grow my understanding of DC festivals. I am looking forward to seeing my colleagues perspectives on the various festivals they chose to research. 

I can't wait to see what NEXT DC has to offer these next three weeks!

Hey everyone! The third week of my NEXTDC internship was incredibly fun! A big thanks to Charlie Ross for giving me the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship!

On Monday, we met a bunch of entrepreneurs. We spoke to one of the Co-founders of Bailiwick Clothing, JC Smith, and the founder of The Capital Candy Jar, Dave Burton. It was inspiring to hear their companies' stories and learn about how they each navigated entrepreneurship and expansion. We had a lunch & learn catered by Gerald Pilaud, and I was fascinated by his journey to becoming an executive assistant! After lunch, we headed to the Museum of Illusions and immersed ourselves in the world of deception.

On Tuesday, we heard from Skye C. about her business, LuxuryofSPC. Her presentation opened my eyes to the world of luxury travel, and the role hospitality can play in entrepreneurship. We also heard from some Eastern Market Main Street vendors, such as Alton McDougle. Alton shared his journey to becoming a photographer and starting his LEGO photography business. Michael Berman talked to us about his company, Diverse Markets Management, and his work on some of the biggest markets here in DC, like the DowntownDC Holiday Market, the Holiday Market at Dupont Circle, and the Flea Market at the Eastern Market! To end the day, NPR graciously gave us a tour of their office space and where their most popular podcasts are created.

On Wednesday, ProFish Ltd invited us to tour their warehouse and see their day-to-day operations! I learned so much about the seafood industry and how Greg Casten manages D.C.’s largest wholesale fresh seafood distributor. We got to eat at his restaurant, the Ivy City Smokehouse, Inc, and explore the many items his menu offers. After lunch, we headed to BEAT THE BOMB. #teamBBF won, and we demonstrated our excellent teamwork skills throughout the challenges!

On Thursday, we did presentations on businesses we want to create in the future. Mine was a tea tasting company, and I was so excited to hear how my fellow interns would design their businesses!

This 5th and second to last week has been enjoyable. With the first day being resume review and the second day going to BSH Home Appliances Group where we got to see firsthand what they do as well as how to make rissotto and even steak.

I wanted to show my appreciation for allowing me to intern with you guys at NEXTDC! My experience has been so great, and I've been so grateful for all the compliments and the rewards that you've given out. I hope to stay in touch with you both and NEXTDC as I loved my experience and hope to work you all in the future! Thank you again for such an unforgettable experience!