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Sophia Haynes ’27

Sophia Haynes, a second-year majoring in earth & environmental science and environmental policy and decision making, interned as an intern with the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Fish & Wildlife Conservation Department. JBLM brings together college students, veterans, and professional biologists to help conserve species and habitats while conducting research.

Through this internship, Haynes developed new skills relevant to her major and career interests. Though physically demanding, the program deepened her love for fieldwork. Haynes states that she enjoyed “learning how to identify the different species,” such as snakes and birds, which further fueled her passion for environmental science.

Reflecting on her experience, Haynes appreciated that JBLM allowed her to network and gain professional skills aligned with her interests. She highly recommends the SFI program for its valuable networking opportunities and hands-on experience. She plans to pursue an internship at Mount Rainier National Park this summer to continue expanding her fieldwork expertise.

Easton Umansky ’27

Easton Umansky, a sophomore double majoring in sociology & anthropology and environmental policy & decision making, interned at Mother Earth Farm, an 8-acre farm in the Puyallup River Valley operated by the Emergency Food Network. This internship was designed for students passionate about environmental sustainability and community engagement, offering an opportunity to work outdoors, gain an appreciation for food, and learn to work both independently and as part of a team.

Umansky was welcomed into the organization with warmth and respect. He recalls, “They were genuinely the sweetest people I’ve ever worked with.” Through this experience, he gained new perspectives on advocacy and community involvement and developed valuable skills in collaboration and outreach.

This summer, Umansky plans to combine his interest in videography with his newfound passion for sustainable farming by working on a documentary for the Emergency Food Network. He encourages others to “explore a little bit more,” noting that while the internship might initially seem “surface level,” it can offer much more meaningful insights when you consider who benefits from the food and the broader impact of these programs on local communities.

Brendan Bell ’26

Brendan Bell, a junior in the Business & Leadership Program, expanded his interest in the arts through an internship with the City of Tacoma’s Arts & Cultural Vitality Division. This organization plays a vital role in supporting local arts and culture by promoting new developments and increasing access to the arts.

Bell’s responsibilities included visiting public paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures, evaluating the artwork, and writing about different pieces. This experience helped him become more self-sufficient and develop valuable time-management skills. He also gained insight into the impact of art on the community, a perspective he hadn’t fully explored before. One of his favorite pieces was Coming Home, a bronze statue of an elderly man holding a little girl, located on South Tacoma Way. Bell described it as a particularly meaningful work, noting that “it was based on an actual photo, and it felt really well done,” one of many pieces that resonated and inspired him.

Bell encourages other students to apply for internships, even if they are unsure whether the field aligns with their interests. “If you’re interested, just do it. Even if you think they may not have stuff that caters to you, I think you'll be able to find a connection.”

Abby Sanderson ’25

Abby Sanderson, a senior majoring in economics, found a unique opportunity outside her field of study through an internship at the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM). TAM is a cultural hub in downtown Tacoma, offering people a chance to connect with art and one another.

While interning at TAM, Sanderson was able to apply the analytical skills she developed studying economics, while also taking on new challenges, such as grant writing. She notes that this experience “made me understand how to be intentional about wording,” which she expects to be an invaluable skill for her future career.

After completing the internship, Sanderson enhanced her resume, networked with professionals in the arts, and received support from the university to apply for a highly competitive internship with Amazon Web Services the following summer. She now has a job offer waiting for her after graduation.

Sanderson encourages students to “try something else that you wouldn’t necessarily do,” as a way to gain new experiences and better understand their career goals and life ambitions.

These four students participated in diverse internships, some outside their chosen majors or areas of interest, but all found success in their respective endeavors. The SFI program provides students with the opportunity to explore different career paths and gain real-world experience in a professional setting. Applications for Summer 2025 are due by Feb. 28. Learn more about the SFI program.