Meet Joanne Carter, an SIS senior majoring in Bachelor of Individualized Study with a concentration in Nonprofit Communications. Read more about her internship with Mason's Office of Sponsored Programs.
Where did you intern, and what was your role? What were your main responsibilities? How did you find this internship opportunity?
I interned during the Spring Semester of 2026 at George Mason University in the Office of Sponsored Programs, as an agreement reviewer. My main responsibilities included reviewing Non-disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and assisting with subcontracting aspects of contract administration. I discovered this internship opportunity on Mason’s website, which was offered to students pursuing a Bachelor of Individualized Studies.
What was a typical day like in your internship?
A typical day would consist of receiving periodic assignments, training materials, and guidance from the contract administrators, designated by the site supervisor. These assignments involve reviewing NDAs, subcontracts, or other reference documents that require my comments, clarifications, or feedback. I meet once a week with the site supervisor to discuss my progress and participate in training on Federal Contracting through a PowerPoint presentation. I also allocate time daily to discuss assignments. This helps me build confidence in my ability to adapt to environments and situations, all part of the process. I believe that with any new experience, there are concerns or fears of the unknown, but this experience has been smooth overall.
What skills did you gain or improve on during your internship? How did your coursework or background help you succeed?
My background as a research administrator on the pre-award side helped ensure a seamless transition. My prior experience and knowledge of research administration and contracting enable me to adapt effectively to this new role. My familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) has proven beneficial in bridging the gap between pre-award and contract management by understanding why these agreements are vital to the integrity of the work or ideas being developed. I’ve learned that careful review and clear communication are essential in negotiating agreements. Understanding the purpose, benefits, regulations, and FAR clauses enables compliance, reduces risks, and maximizes value. Strong communication ensures clarity during reviews, information requests, meetings, and feedback.
How has this internship influenced your career goals? Did this experience open any new opportunities for you? What was the most valuable thing you learned?
This internship has significantly contributed to my professional growth, expanded my knowledge, and given me a clearer understanding of the contract administration aspects of research administration that intersect with my current pre-award research duties. I plan to leverage this experience to enhance my current role.
What advice would you give to other students looking for internships? Would you recommend this internship to others? Why or why not?
I encourage anyone interested in learning new skills or enriching their current knowledge in another area to step out of their comfort zone and experience other facets of their job that may not be part of their usual responsibilities. These experiences can foster growth, acquire new knowledge, skills, and abilities, and establish connections that can be valuable in shaping your career path. I would recommend an internship because of the hands-on experience, direct guidance and support, and the opportunity to learn new things.