Career Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Did you have any internships while you were a student at Georgetown University?
I had two internships. The first internship was during the summer and I worked at Deloitte and Touche. I did not particularly enjoy this type of work, but it was a good experience because I was able to learn what type of work I would rather not pursue. I also worked for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines on Capitol Hill. This was an informative organization. I organized their materials, including their library. It was a small, nonprofit organization and was low tech, however I realized that this was the type of work I enjoyed.
Did you know anything about opera before working at Washington National Opera?
At my current job, I get to work in the arts, which have always interested me. However, I had no prior knowledge of opera. At Georgetown I participated in theater organizations although I never was able to take a class in the arts.
How did you find your job?
I found this job on Idealist.org.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The parts of the job that enjoy most are the varied tasks, especially meeting with donors. I get to do different things every day. I also enjoy going to the opera and the parties and galas. I met Rufus Wainwright who is writing an opera. I have also met Plácido Domingo, who is currently the director of the opera. Another one of the best parts of my job is that I get to work with embassies and ambassadors to get them to attend events at the Washington Opera. I also do administrative work for development offices and work with trustees and major plan-giving donors.
What is the most challenging part of the job?
The most challenging part of my job is that it can be stressful and the hours can be very long. For example, you can work in the office all day and then have an hour break before having to go to the opera house until 11:30 at night. You do have to work some weekends. It's important to be social, pleasant and to pay attention to the conversations that you have with donors at social events.
Do you have any advice for Georgetown students?
I would tell students not to underestimate the advantage of what seems like a low level position. It's good to be in a job where you experience a little bit of a lot of different things in order to figure out what you like and want to pursue.
