Communication student soars as an intern at the National Air and Space Museum

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Sachita Pandey earned her bachelor's degree in media studies at Kathmandu University School of Arts in Nepal before coming to George Mason University for her graduate studies. Pandey is working on a master's degree in communication with a focus on strategic communication.

Graduate student Sachita Pandey worked as a social media and communication intern at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. Photo provided

Throughout her career, she has been involved in research and development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for underprivileged communities residing in the remote corners of Nepal.

During the academic year, she serves at a graduate assistant at George Mason's Communication Center where students go to develop oral communication skills. This summer she took an internship at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum.

Where is your summer internship, and what is your title?

I'm a social media and communication intern at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

What are your main responsibilities on the job?

I work with the museum's Office of Communications on a variety of projects related to social media, press, marketing, and digital communications. I work closely with the social media and digital content teams to develop compelling content to promote the museum and share the museum's collection and expertise with an ever-expanding digital audience. I craft long-form written content (blog posts), written social media content (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), and social media videos (Instagram Reels, YouTube). I also work with the larger Communications team on marketing museum programs, media and press relations, and filming projects.

How have your George Mason courses contributed to your success in your current internship?

In the Communication Department, every course places a strong emphasis on the skills of researching, analyzing, and writing, allowing students to prepare content across a wide range of topics. One course that stands out to me is COMM 690 Pop Culture and Health Communication, which I took last semester. This class enabled me to study and review current trends in the popular media landscape, and to be able to apply this knowledge practically during my internship while preparing creative content for various platforms is amazing!

How did you find your internship?

I found my internship through the National Air and Space Museum's website.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned as an intern?

Small talk is your pathway to strike up a conversation that will lead to you making genuine connections with people and will ultimately help you network. And as we all know, networking is very, very important!

What advice would you give other students about getting the most out of their internship?

Make coordination, management, and adaptability your best friends, and do not be scared to ask questions when in doubt.