Liza Goodman '21

1) What are some skills/competencies (NACE) that you developed/honed during your internship?

During my time with The Digital Renaissance Project, I found myself developing important skills that I had set out as goals for myself. Specifically, I developed better oral and written communication skills through my weekly emails to young artists and their parents as well as phone conversation and zoom conversations as well. I found myself being able to learn how to use positive language and spin every message I sent, even if it was about cancelation, positively. I also found myself problem solving in order to make every weekly project schedule inclusive to all young artists and their interest. I found myself working with the administrative director and my supervisor, Katerina Klavon, to figure out how to get more young artists involved with our programming, which included figuring out how to engage more young artists within my weekly Andy’s Community Social Hour.

2) How does this experience connect to your future career goals?

As a theatre major, I have always wanted to continue to work in the theatre when I graduated from college. For most of my life, my dream was to act, and while I still do have that passion, I see myself being able to become an arts administrator! My mom works in arts administration, and she has always told me if you can work in arts administration you can find jobs anywhere. I can see myself working in arts administration, and also possibly looking into producing theatre. Overall, this internship showed me the different ways I will be able to keep working in the theatre and have the arts be a part of my life, even if I do not continue to act.

3) What advice would you give to other Holy Cross students?

Be in constant communication with your supervisor to show them you are available, willing to take on more projects and work, especially if you are in a remote internship. I struggled with not wanting to overwhelm them with questions and requests for work, but I found myself being bored at home if I didn’t reach out for more work! Always ask questions. Say yes to everything, but also take time for yourself and realize when you have too much work to do already. In a remote work setting, pay extra attention to your mental health and do your best to find a healthy work/life balance.