Name: Augusta Clusen Moses
Class Year: 2027
Major: Growth and Structure of Cities

Internship Organization: Metropolitan Planning Council
Internship Title: Research Assistant
Location: Chicago, Illinois

What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

Group outing to visit the display of a project we are a finalist for

This summer, I have been conducting research across many projects, all within the realm of transportation in Chicago. My work has ranged from riding public transportation across the city and documenting the user experience, to mapping bus routes and county forest preserves, to more mundane activities like reading and watching materials/reports and writing a summary to provide to my supervisors. While working for a small, non-profit organization, it became apparent just how much creativity and adaptability is required, and I am grateful to have learned such skills so I can carry them with me as a transition into new positions in the future.

Why did you apply for this internship?

Transportation team photo after the conference Transport Chicago

Truthfully, I was applying for anything that came my way. Throughout the search process, it became glaringly obvious that LinkedIn was not going to be the pathway to finding a summer internship. I began reaching out to anyone I knew or looked up to, searching for opportunities for undergraduates to get hands-on experience in the urban planning world.

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect?

I did not expect to make so many connections! Everyone is so friendly, and wants to help out the next generation of urban planners. I talked to people from all levels ranging from CEO’s to other research assistants like me. It was exciting to find that everyone just wants to talk about their shared passions and interests, no matter the title you hold. I hope that these connections can remain in my life, and help to grow my network as a leave Bryn Mawr in the spring.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship?

A guided walking tour of transit-oriented development (TOD) in the Chicago suburb of Mount Prospect

I have realized that sitting at a desk is not the ideal workplace environment for me. I had never had a desk job before, so I was excited to experience a more technical job. I quickly realized that being at desk did not feel fulfilling, and is hard on your body. I have always been an active person, working in environments where I am required to be on my feet, interacting with people all day. Although that can be exhausting, I find it far more rewarding.