Getting the student kicked out of me!

Arpita was an intern with The Winnipeg Humane Society in the Communications Department. The new Marketing Management and Public Relations graduate from The University of Winnipeg PACE spent part of August and September helping the team with sharing our shelter news on social media, writing news releases, and helping out in any way she could. Here’s her take on her time working at The WHS!

After her experience with The WHS, Arpita nominated The WHS for a chance to win $500 worth of First Aid Kids from St. John Ambulance. Please vote for The WHS by clicking here.

And quite literally so… When I started my internship at The Winnipeg Humane Society the thought that I would love my job so much hadn’t even crossed my mind. I was kicked right into the job, thanks to my very lively and excited boss. Truth be told, I didn’t think working for a humane society would be this busy.  My impression of an internship was that I got to be the girl who brought in coffee. Boy, am I glad that wasn’t the case here.

I was thrown right into the job and had to adjust quickly. I was sent into the work head first, and was given the chance to contribute right away. My first press release was drafted on the third day of my internship here!

In my first week alone, I saw The WHS raise $20,000 to save Snowflake, a poodle who was badly burned in a car crash. Yes, I saw miracles happen every day and I saw the hard work that goes into it. My biggest communication related task came with Snowflake. With the help of The WHS’ supporter base and successful social media messaging, Snowflake received the best possible medical care. And that in a nutshell is what The WHS does. It goes beyond adoption! You will never see a volunteer or member of staff sit idle at The WHS. They are all passionately involved in their work, which inspired me to give it my all.

So, what was it like to work for The WHS? Did I see kittens and puppies all day? No, not really. I was too busy working with people to ensure that we got as many cats and dogs adopted as possible. So, I didn’t always have the time to go take a peek at the new puppy that arrived at the shelter.

I witnessed The WHS do great things during my time here. I watched everyone work in harmony to save lives of hundreds of animals that come through those doors every day. And, the best part is that I got to be a part of it. In the little ways that I could, The WHS enabled me to do what I’ve always dreamed of:  helping animals!

I couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling internship. The WHS holds a very special place in my heart and I will forever cherish the memories I made here.