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This summer, I interned at the Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ), where I worked remotely under the guidance of Carolyn, a senior data journalist. Carolyn provided invaluable mentorship, assigning me weekly tasks that spanned a range of responsibilities — from conducting Russian-language research on online hate speech targeting Ukrainians to drafting text for data visualizations in a story on domestic violence in Eswatini. Each week brought a new challenge, and I found myself gravitating toward topics of personal interest, while consistently engaging with data journalism and qualitative research.

Through this internship, I gained a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths within journalism, particularly those that extend beyond the traditional newsroom. Learning about the tools and resources used by data journalists significantly broadened my perspective, inspiring me to pursue further coursework at Wellesley in data science and statistics. While I initially felt uncomfortable adapting to new technical skills, I am confident that my final year at Wellesley will allow me to strengthen these areas of expertise.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that investigative journalism is primarily rooted in research — an aspect I found particularly engaging. Although I initially joined the internship with the goal of enhancing my writing, I discovered that I enjoyed the research and data analysis aspects of investigative work even more. It was eye-opening to realize that investigative stories often involve years of meticulous research, with writing representing only a small portion of the process.

I also came to understand that, while CCIJ fosters a strong sense of community, remote work can create a sense of isolation. Despite participating in biweekly team meetings via Zoom, I missed the camaraderie of a more in-person work environment. This experience has influenced how I would approach future team dynamics, where I would prioritize opportunities for community-building and connection among team members.

Carolyn was an exemplary supervisor, setting clear expectations, providing thorough explanations for each task, and offering consistent support throughout the summer. Her approach to managing interns has set a high standard, and I hope to adopt similar practices when I begin my professional career.

Though my internship was affected by personal circumstances that required me to return home early, I am grateful for the understanding and flexibility demonstrated by Carolyn and Jeff. Despite these personal challenges, I was able to develop key research skills that are transferable to a wide range of future career opportunities. Overall, my time at CCIJ was an enriching and formative experience, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to my future endeavors.