This summer I had the privilege of working as a Strategy Intern at Feedback Labs. Working primarily within the Learning Ecosystems pillar (formerly Incentives), I was able to contribute to a variety of projects that both sharpened my existing skills and helped me develop new ones. The internship gave me a chance to explore different aspects of strategy and research, while also learning how listening practices can shape more responsive and equitable systems.
One of the main projects I supported was the forthcoming Listening in this Moment guide. The guide is designed to give funders practical ways of ensuring that the voices of those most affected by their work shape responses to the current moment. My role focused on research, which introduced me to the landscape of the philanthropy sector and the varied priorities of different types of foundations. I also worked to make this research as actionable as possible by identifying case studies that highlighted concrete examples of listening in practice. This focus on bridging research with real-world application was one of the most rewarding parts of the project.
Another highlight was designing and facilitating three short “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Corner” sessions for the Feedback Labs team, exploring gender representation at Feedback Labs, given that health, education and literacy, or “HEAL” professions are often women-dominated. This was a unique opportunity to engage in social justice facilitation in a professional context and to practice presenting and leading discussions with colleagues. I appreciated that the Feedback Labs team created the space for thoughtful dialogue on these issues, and I valued contributing to that culture.
In addition to these larger projects, I contributed to several other initiatives across Feedback Labs. I supported the early drafting of a workshop session description for the Montana Nonprofit Association’s annual conference. I became familiar with Typeform to assist in designing questions for our annual strategy survey to capture strategic input. I also participated in coaching calls with CodePath, stepping into a consultant role to support them in strengthening their feedback infrastructure. Finally, I contributed to a research guide on New Mexico, which contextualized key social issues and highlighted ongoing community conversations in the region. Altogether, these projects enhanced my research + writing skills and allowed me to see firsthand how listening practices can be applied across very different contexts.
Looking back, I’m grateful for how diverse and engaging my projects were. Most importantly, I had the privilege of working with the Feedback Labs team, who are some of the most supportive and generous colleagues I’ve met. I owe a special thank-you to my supervisor Michael, who was truly the best mentor I could have asked for.
If you’re thinking about applying for the Strategy Internship at Feedback Labs, I can’t recommend it enough. You’ll grow as a person and professional, contribute to meaningful work, and be surrounded by people who genuinely care about putting listening and community voices at the center of change.
