Creating Trust and Legitimacy Through Independent Research

My time working at Samuel Associates this summer was as challenging as it was rewarding. I had the chance to learn an array of valuable skills, most importantly collaboration, open dialogue, and real-world problem-solving.

The Importance of Collaboration and Dialogue

First off, collaboration is essential for producing work that leverages all team members' efforts and their diverse knowledge and experience. Working at a government relations firm highlighted the importance of collaboration to deliver a product that matches government organizations' high-quality expectations.

Second, open dialogue with the client is essential for these collaborative efforts. The unprecedented circumstance of the pandemic made collaboration more challenging than usual. To overcome this challenge, we had to place a high priority on constant communication. As all team members worked to advance the same big stride, the firm's work culture both facilitated and promoted open dialogue via digital channels. Since our team members come from diverse walks of life, open dialogue helped bring together different perspectives to create a comprehensive product.

Third, given the nature of the firm's consulting services, my experience was entirely focused on solving real-world problems. I benefited greatly from learning how my knowledgeable and experienced colleagues and clients tackle these problems. Again, the open dialogue platform at the firm made the learning experience truly rewarding for myself and my intern colleagues. In no small part because we were all given voices at the table with senior staff and industry executives.