In the small-staff world of nonprofits, especially in the arts world, leadership is absolutely vital to function, much less ongoing success. In general, at SMoCA there are no more than two people in charge of a given area, and it is up to them to develop an entire program, from conception to execution, with minimal support or guidance from others in the organization. This is not to say that people do not work together, but in order for tasks to be completed, each person must be able to take on an entire array of tasks in order for that area of programming and execution to be effective.
As an intern, I often absorb tasks from a variety of these groups, as it is easier for me to bounce between jobs since I am present to learn and take on what others many times do not have time for. In my position, leadership takes a different form, and often I must simply be ready for anything at any given time. Leadership means being adaptable and flexible, and a quick learner. One second I am recommending publications to which we might submit our latest, innovative exhibition, and the next I am assembling a powerpoint presentation to be shown at the next exhibitions meeting by the show's curator. If I can anticipate or expand a task's reach when I execute it, all the better going forward.
An internship is most frequently about proving oneself, and learning a diverse array of tasks to prepare for an eventual career, ideally in the area in which you are interning. At SMoCA, I am learning to demonstrate leadership in a variety of often-unexpected ways, and am observing it in spades among my supervisors and co-workers.
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