A First Step Toward Professional Growth by Les Vasquez, Digital Scholars 2025

My summer internship touched on website auditing. I worked for the UW Bothell Division of Academic Affairs in their executive office. The internship was hybrid, twice a week, and I worked in an environment where my supervisor and peers were available at all times. What drew me to the Digital Scholars program was the free opportunity it gave to current students. As a first generation student, I was having a hard time putting myself in areas where I can academically support my goals.

After finding out about this program through flyers around campus, I was very amazed at the existence of this opportunity. Being a part of this program was an amazing experience. It helped educate me further with the digital world and additionally, how to prepare into the professional world.

I have learned that there was confidence and respect given to us right from the beginning. It was a significant point as interns, receiving professional integrity from the start. It was also a learning curve, understanding that we were working as employers of the University rather solely as students. Regarding our schedules, it was also an amazing opportunity to navigate through a hybrid schedule. This internship gave me a better understanding on how to set up responsibilities at home in order to focus and maintain integrity outside of a traditional workspace. My supervisor was in-depth with how to audit the website and how to ensure efficiency.

The most challenging part of the internship was the tasks themselves. It was a very new experience for me to be auditing a website. There were specific steps that my supervisor wanted to see and it was challenging because it was new. And I really enjoyed the novelty because it opened up an opportunity for growth within myself.

The rewarding part of my internship was knowing that my work will make a difference. When I reflect back, I am proud for serving my community and giving back. It was amazing to be given a role that will impact current and future students in a positive way. Looking back at my growth, I have learned so much about what it takes to succeed in a professional setting. To say, I came into the program alone, but have come out with mentors and peers.

For future Digital Scholars, this is an amazing opportunity to take. Take as many opportunities out there that UW Bothell provides. It can be overwhelming, but that first step of action will lead to amazing outcomes. There is no better feeling than to feel a part of a community. Everyone will help you along the way, and it is such a great transition into getting a feel for the professional world.

As for advice to supervisors and program staff, I would recommend more ice-breakers during summer meetings or a time where we get to do interactive activities that foster more teamwork and collaboration. I have interacted with each member at least once throughout the program. Unfortunately, there are still members that I wish I could have interacted with further

Learn more about the Digital Scholars program at UW Bothell.