Abigail Estrada-Hernandez interned at the White house through the Office of Digital Strategy.
This semester, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the White House through the Office of Digital Strategy. Through this experience, I have grown immensely as an
individual and professionally, and I want to share the key lessons I learned throughout this semester:

Use your LinkedIn:
My first advice for building a professional network is to leverage the one you already have. I recommend using LinkedIn, especially at the beginning and throughout your
internship, to discover any connections you may have and to identify mutual connections who are possibly based in DC or working in government or the political sector. Even before starting my internship, I tapped into my past extracurricular activities and organizations to reach out to fellow alums or current participants. Having some form
of connection in the DC area greatly facilitated my acclimatization and enhanced my professional experience.
A Coffee Chat a Day Keeps the Anxiety Away:
If you’re like me, you may need help talking to new people, especially those with impressive titles. However, being in an environment where I interact with some of the world’s most influential people, I’ve learned to overcome that anxiety. It’s not just my internship that has helped me with this, but also my interactions. The more you engage with people, the less intimidating it becomes. That’s why I emphasize the importance of having coffee chats. Not only do they ease the anxiety of initial interactions, but they also provide clarity regarding my future career goals and whether they might evolve.

A Prepared Person is Worth Double:
This profound wisdom has shaped my perspective on life and significantly influenced my approach to my internship, making it a transformative experience. More than showing up to work is required; one must also be ready for the unexpected and prepared for any situation. We juggle various internship responsibilities, from managing time to completing tasks and projects. Preparing for the next step, whether interacting with a manager, planning a meeting, or securing the next project, is crucial and provides security and confidence.

Don’t Just Ask Questions, Ask Good Ones:
Learning to ask insightful questions enhances the quality of your work and strengthens your relationships with others. Another key lesson I learned is the importance of
thorough research before posing a question. Understanding the purpose behind your question is crucial. Despite the common belief that there are no stupid questions,
particularly in a professional setting, being proactive and conducting research before seeking help is more beneficial. This approach demonstrates your initiative to your
managers and colleagues and your commitment to understanding the topic thoroughly.

You are a Brand
During my internship in the Office of Digital Strategy, I was immersed in a culture focused on branding, especially on social media. This experience taught me the importance of maintaining a strong online presence and cultivating a personal brand. Interacting with fellow interns and staff members highlighted that each individual becomes a brand in their own right. Understanding the brand you want to uphold allows you to preserve it through your actions and interactions with others.