TO THE MARKET Internship - College Magazine

TO THE MARKET Survivor-Made Goods Internship—Virtual Position

TO THE MARKET (TTM) Survivor-Made Goods, founded in 2014 by Jane Mosbacher Morris, is a social enterprise committed to empowering vulnerable communities around the globe. The company works with various partners to sell and share the stories of products handcrafted by survivors of issues from human trafficking, HIV/AIDs and conflict-zone refugees. This includes earrings handmade by survivor artisans in India, or bow-ties handmade by artisans in Uganda. Each purchase allows these artisans to provide for themselves and their families while feeling economically empowered. TO THE MARKET also provides their local partners with consumer trend advice and mental health resources.

TO THE MARKET internship — Jane Mosbacher Morris

What It’s Actually Like

It all depends on what you want to do. You can write and schedule daily posts on their social media accounts (such as Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter), or research and write feature stories on local partners, new stores or special collaborations. If you know graphic design, you can design store and blog banners or promotional pitches for prospective collaborations. TTM interns build a pretty flexible schedule—they can work anywhere from an hour to day, or sometimes less during insanely busy weeks at school.

Since the main staff and intern team reside all over the U.S. (and the world!), you spend most of your time on the computer. You won’t feel alone, however, because this small business provides you with an intimate work experience. Every week, there’s a group intern call with the Founder/CEO, Chief Operating Officer and occasionally the Chief Strategic Officer. Everyone shares their projects for the week, as well as ask any questions.

Cool Stuff You Get To Do

Fun fact: TO THE MARKET opens pop-up shops in various cities around the United States. If you live in the area, you can assist in a pop-up shop, which allows you to interact with customers and share the amazing stories of the survivors behind the products. You’ll also have the opportunity to write blog posts on topics you’re passionate about—and watch them gain national recognition. “I’ve had the opportunity to write a few posts for TTM Stories blog including posts on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day,” TTM intern and Johns Hopkins student Danielle Franco said. In addition to the company’s blog, Danielle’s articles were published on the company’s Huffington Post blog. “It’s very exciting to engage a different audience on topics that I care a lot about,” Franco said.

What You’ll Learn

Not only will you gain a better sense of communications and blogging in a professional sense, but you’ll have a better understanding on humanitarian causes. This field of ethical fashion and artisan enterprise is new and exciting. TTM and its team, along with its interns, expand with the growing movement. You also forge close relationships with your co-workers. Whatever you want to learn about, Morris and other team members are there.

How to Prepare For Your Application

In addition to your typical resume and cover letter, you should include some writing samples. Researching more about the issues TO THE MARKET focuses on, such as human trafficking or ethical fashion and their corresponding social media campaigns will make you stand out.

Skills That Impress Them

Strong writing and social media skills are a plus. Your WordPress skills (if you have them) will come in handy when it comes to blogging. And if you don’t, any of the experienced team members can teach you. You might also help create graphics for blogs, stores and social media promotion, so graphic design and Photoshop skills are also a plus.

Cool Perks

As an intern you’ll double as a VIP TTM customer, which means that you get early notice for special stores and sales. Also, you occasionally get your own discounts or free products. If you have an interest in activism and humanitarianism, international development or fashion, you’ll meet other professionals in those fields. With D.C. popups, you’ll get a chance to go to places like the State Department, the Red Cross, the National Geographic Museum or the World Bank. How awesome is that?