Welcome to our 5 Things I Learned blog series, where UNH students from all colleges and majors share the UNH experience that changed everything for them and what they learned from it. From studying abroad and summer internships, to research and leadership in student organizations, follow along to see what you can learn by stepping out of your comfort zone and saying "yes" to that new opportunity on our campus.
Today, Hayley '25 talks about interning for the Division of Administrative Law Appeals. While being the youngest person in a government office can be intimidating, Hayley learned the importance of asking questions, speaking up and trusting yourself as an intern.
What is the Division of Administrative Law Appeals?
The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) is a government agency within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that is responsible for conducting hearings for other state agencies. As the only undergraduate interning at DALA, I did things such as proofreading and editing legal writing, administrative work including filing orders and documents, sitting in on hearings and note-taking for the magistrates.
1. You should always ask questions
Being the youngest person in a government office can be intimidating, so I wanted to come across as professional as I could be. Though it sounds appealing to think you are capable of anything with no help, I’ve come to learn that even highly respected government magistrates and officials prefer if you ask questions about new tasks or things you aren’t quite sure about. My boss always told me the perfect intern never can ask enough questions, and working for the government was a totally new experience for me that I didn’t have any prior knowledge on. Interning for the Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) has taught me there are never too many questions or clarifications you can ask on anything.
"My boss always told me the perfect intern never can ask enough questions."
2. Organizational skills are a must-have
If you are trying to acquire an undergraduate internship, being organized should be a top priority. I learned how to put myself in an organized routine, organize spreadsheets and calendars, and make sure my work projects and papers were structured and organized. Having these skills is key to succeeding in the professional world. Working for DALA made me really focus on my organizational skills. As someone who is an aspiring lawyer, these skills are arguably the most important to have, and this goes for any profession that you could possibly go into as well.
"If you are trying to acquire an undergraduate internship, being organized should be a top priority."
3. Take breaks
Working a full-time internship, though very rewarding, can get exhausting easily, and that goes for any job you get. I’ve learned that taking time for yourself a few times a day and taking a breather for a few minutes allows you to do your work to your fullest potential. DALA always encouraged me to not overwork myself and the employees and I would frequently grab lunch or coffee or go on walks. Working in an environment that encourages wellness is very important when taking on a new job. As a very hard worker who definitely pushes myself over schoolwork, DALA has taught me to take breaks. I’ve noticed some of my best work now in school is a product of a break schedule I give myself.
"I’ve learned that taking time for yourself a few times a day and taking a breather for a few minutes allows you to do your work to your fullest potential."
4. Go with your intuition
One of the tasks I frequently did at DALA was proofreading and helping write legal orders for hearings and cases for our magistrates. Doing this as an undergraduate with no legal education was rewarding but also frightening when I worried that I’d easily mess up documents that were so important. I’d find mistakes or rewrite things and would doubt myself about being right or sounding unintelligent. My boss used to thank me because a lot of times, these mistakes were crucial and needed to be changed. It is important when you’re doubting yourself to go with your gut and say what you believe to be true. If I did not step up and point out mistakes in work, it could have caused a domino effect in cases. With any job or work, if you think something is right, just go with it. Much of the time, you’re probably right, and even helpful.
"It is important when you’re doubting yourself to go with your gut and say what you believe to be true."
5. Staying true to who you are is key
I was the only undergraduate at DALA who worked amongst numerous intelligent law students, and it was a humbling honor. I truly believe that my bubbly personality really helped me be picked for the internship. Though being professional is important, it also is important to show that you're human and passionate. I am a very charismatic and genuine person, and DALA saw potential in me not because of my educational background, but because they saw me as a person with the personality of an ideal intern. Even some of the most serious magistrates and officials I worked with were some of the funniest people I have met. It is important when trying to obtain a job that you are your authentic self.
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