Unfortunately, Handshake has deactivated reviews on its platform, thus we have compiled thoughts from our valued interns to offer you further insights into what it is like to work with PCF. We want to be transparent about the PCF internship experience so you can better ascertain if you are interested in applying and working with us.

Student
Zoë Rodriguez Mares
UC Berkeley
Interned with PCF from July to December 2023
IG: @catchingzoe

What was the interview process like?

Very smooth and straightforward interview process. We exchanged a few emails and had one casual 30-minute Google Meet video discussion.

What I liked…

I liked the opportunity to work so closely with PCF founder Jenny throughout the entirety of my internship experience. Jenny was extremely accessible at all times, and even in the moments I understood the task, it was reassuring knowing that if I needed her assistance for whatever reason, she was there. Jenny made me feel so valued and that my efforts were genuinely appreciated, not just as an employee, but as a human. There was not a single moment during my internship where I felt lost or ill-prepared. I was given all the resources I’d need to succeed, and more, which made me feel confident moving forward and working independently on projects. I personally love doing work that has a positive impact on the world around me, and this internship allowed me to do just that. I enjoyed connecting to the PCF community of farmers, ranchers, and other local purveyors, learning about what they do, and helping prepare for, and launch, the annual micro-grant.

Other aspects of the internship I enjoyed, and appreciated, were the flexibility in working hours, and the weekly check-ins/one-on-one meetings. In summary, PCF is a great organization, with an incredible mission, and a lovely individual leading it all. I highly encourage anyone considering signing up for this position to give it a shot. You will learn so much, and the skills you develop especially in communications will stick with you for the rest of your professional career.

What I wish was different…

I would not change anything about this opportunity. 

Advice and other thoughts...

Be ready to take on creative projects and adapt as you move forward. It may take some time to get into the flow of things and learn the PCF style for content and media, but once you do you’ll have so much fun with it, and it’ll feel so rewarding seeing your work’s positive impact. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up, offer ideas, and ask questions. Jenny is very understanding and sweet, and she is always open to new ideas and suggestions since they benefit PCF and make your internship time more valuable.

Student
Jeyna Molloy
University of San Francisco
Interned with PCF from July to November 2024
IG: @jeyna.molloy

What was the interview process like?

The interview process was effortless. There was clear communication with a few emails, and we were quickly able to set up a time that worked for both of us. The interview was a 30-minute Google Meet where we talked about why I would be a good fit for PCF, and the duties I would be taking on. The interview was clear and concise, and I felt confident about moving forward.

What I liked...

The structure of the entire internship worked well. The nature of remote work can lead to a lot of ambiguity, but Jenny was very open and communicative. Having shared folders, documents, and trackers proved to be an efficient system, as expectations were clear and my work could get reviewed at any point. Jenny was very responsive and accommodating, and I learned a lot from getting to work with her so closely. Getting to interact weekly over the phone added yet another layer of open communication and interaction, and I found it very enjoyable and valuable to be able to converse with her. I never felt unfairly treated, and was still met with grace during moments when I was receiving feedback. 

PCF is an admirable organization, and I felt prideful being able to contribute to something so helpful. My time spent interacting with farmers, ranchers, and other local purveyors made me feel connected to the California community; whether it be learning about the work they do, interacting with them on social media, or getting to see the hard work of agriculture, I learned a plethora from being exposed to such a rich community. 

What I wish was different...

The fundraising event that was planned and that Jenny and I spent so much effort promoting had to get canceled. While the circumstances surrounding the cancellation were unprecedented, it would have been nice if our hard work would have been able to come to fruition. Other than that, there was nothing I would have changed about this internship. 

Advice and other thoughts...

There are a lot of Canva projects! While I found them fun, it does take a while to adjust to PCF's brand style. That being said, thoughts and suggestions were highly encouraged! This is a great opportunity to learn, so be willing to collaborate, yet still adhere to guidelines when needed. Jenny is great to work under, as she is directional yet delightful! It has been awesome to create a positive impact on the local farming community and to work with an organization as wonderful as PCF. So thanks Jenny, you've been the best!

Student
Kelly Tran
University of San Francisco
Interned with PCF from September to December 2024
IG: @kellytran56

What was the interview process like?

The interview process was simple and unintimidating. After exchanging emails for availability and setting up a time, there’s a brief 30-minute video call (FaceTime for us). During the interview, I didn’t feel as though I was being grilled/judged or anything of the like. It was straightforward, asking questions related to my resume, experience, or student life in general. Because the application process digs into your qualifications already, the interview process feels supplemental, which alleviates pressure.

What I liked...

For starters, I enjoyed the remote nature of the internship. This allowed me to adapt it to my own schedule since I was also balancing being a full-time student and involved in multiple organizations. I could work from anywhere I had my laptop and connection. Further, I appreciated the clear communication and direct contact with Jenny, the Executive Director of PCF. Throughout the internship, there’s only that one contact point, and it stops things from becoming convoluted. She is also very accessible and accommodating. The general format of the internship (weekly calls with Jenny, with asynchronous/remote hours) worked well for my schedule. On a similar note, I appreciated how Jenny was adaptable to my opinions as the internship progressed. We would have discussions regarding which parts of my workload I preferred, and would move forward based on that. The work is flexible, and not restricted to the initial description.

What I wish was different...

Because my tasks were database and communication-related, they stretched over multiple weeks, and at times I wasn’t aware of whether my pace was sufficient. That being said, it made it helpful when I was given specific deadlines (such as, all these emails should be sent by this date and time).

Advice and other thoughts...

For anyone considering it, I would recommend applying to this internship. It’s a helpful way to delve into the work world through a meaningful non-profit while refining your professional self and your communications skills. Come into the application/interview process without overthinking it, be honest and certain of your qualifications. Be ready/flexible for the internship to grow and morph for the duration of your time with PCF.