Learning By Doing: A Reflection

WEAre by Rory Sampair

(Part of ongoing Newsletter series authored by WetheP colleagues).

 
In many cases, learning and doing are done in almost complete exclusion of one another. While study after study shows that the most effective way of doing either is when they are done in concert with the other. Throughout my college career it almost became a daily mantra of “When in the real world will we ever actually use this information?” I have personally walked this road while in school  and have struggled with it after graduation.

After exploring many options, I decided I would try the one thing I could think of that could combine both learning and doing, something i had not yet had the chance to attempt, with an internship at WetheP.

Millennials: More Meaning, Less Coffee-Making
The internship that my generation encounters is the classic one during which you are scanning copies and making coffee. Or internships that companies use to screen possible hires without the financial liability hiring a full time employee would entail.  While these are great ways to get a foot in the door, build a resume or network, they often lead to disinterested Millennials watching the clock.

All of the above reasons are why I chose to intern for WetheP, and feel fortunate for the unique experience

Looking in the Mirror
I believe that WetheP, at its heart, is a bold attempt to conquer society's issues by challenging society itself to look into the mirror and make a choice: 

"Am I ok with what is going on around me? Are there people like me who feel the same way? I know I want to, but how do I even begin to make a real change as a single person?"

Questions like these inspired the creation of WetheP.  And are the very same questions I have asked myself throughout my life.  I truly believe in the message, effort and necessity for WetheP.  The most satisfying part of my internship was knowing that my ideas and efforts went towards something more meaningful than just the bottom line.

The experiences gained working within a startup are something very few can understand unless they have been in the thick of it.  At WetheP, I had the opportunity to work directly with a group of highly experienced and educated people who shared their knowledge and feedback with me every step of the way.

Rare Chance, Real Work
However, the most important opportunity I had during my time with WetheP was the chance to learn while doing. Something very rare in internships and even most jobs. The chance to put my interests, knowledge and abilities into action to help create real change for myself, the Company and, who knows?  

Maybe the world.

- Rory Sampair
Intern, WetheP, Inc.