Tufts alumni, Nawal Khan, A’24 shared the following about being an Intern with the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
I assisted with the coordination of public hearings. This involved working closely with the team to plan and execute these events, ensuring all logistics were in place, and facilitating a smooth and impactful experience for participants and stakeholders. Supporting MCSW Regional Commissions: I actively contributed to the success of all 11 MCSW Regional Commissions. My responsibilities included helping organize regional events, promoting communication and collaboration among the commissions, and ensuring their initiatives aligned with the broader goals of MCSW. Engaging with the Program and Planning Committee: A significant part of my internship involved supporting and contributing to the activities of the Program and Planning Committee. This included helping orchestrate events at the Statehouse, which often featured figures such as senators, state representatives, stakeholders, and other community leaders. These events served as platforms to address critical issues and empower not only women in leadership but also young women, including high school students, by exposing them to the world of politics, policy, and advocacy. In addition to these responsibilities, I had the opportunity to gain exposure to various facets of the organization’s operations. I contributed to marketing and finance activities, delved into information/data-related tasks, and primarily focused on legislative and policy work related to the commissioners. My internship also involved attending meetings where I had the privilege of hearing about community concerns, which significantly increased my awareness of the multifaceted challenges faced by women in Massachusetts.
How did you find this internship?
I stumbled upon their listing on the Massachusetts government website while researching women’s advocacy groups within the state. Upon further research and learning about the impactful work they were doing; I knew I wanted to be a part of their team again.
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
What I enjoyed most about my internship was the opportunity to connect with and learn from empowered women across various demographics, from high school students to immigrant women who faced language barriers. This experience allowed me to gain insights into the diverse community in which I live and provided a platform for me to contribute to their empowerment.
What did you find challenging?
One of the challenges I encountered was adapting to a remote/hybrid work environment, especially if it’s your first experience in such a setup. However, after a few weeks of training and familiarization with the tools and processes, I became comfortable navigating the remote work landscape.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
For those considering a similar internship, my advice would be to communicate your goals and what you hope to achieve during your internship to your employer. Make an effort to expose yourself to various departments and individuals within the organization, as this will provide a well-rounded experience. Always strive to deliver your best work and maintain professionalism, as you may want to work with the organization again or discover your passion through the summer internship experience.
About the Organization
Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
The mission of the Commission is to advance women toward full equality in all areas of life and to promote rights and opportunities for all women. The Commission exists to provide a permanent, effective voice for women across Massachusetts.
The Commission is empowered to: •Study, review and report on the status of women in the Commonwealth; •Advise executive and legislative bodies on the effect of proposed legislation on women; •Inform leaders of business, education, health care, state and local governments and the communications media of issues pertaining to women; •Provide referrals and serve as a resource of information on issues pertaining to women; •Identify and recommend qualified women for positions at all levels of government; •Promote and facilitate collaboration among local women’s commissions and among women’s organizations in the state; •Serve as a liaison between government and private interest groups concerned with issues affecting women; •Assess programs and practices in all state agencies as they affect women
