Hi, my name is Seif El Askary, and I am a major in Health Science and Communication at Chapman University. This semester, I interned at GeoAct, where I learned how communication and environmental science can work together.

I first connected with GeoAct through an email introduction. What started as a simple conversation turned into a chance to join the team! Initially, I spent time learning about the company’s operations and gaining a deeper understanding of its mission. By the second half of the internship, I was taking on more responsibility, helping with projects, and contributing work that the company can continue to use even after I leave.

One of the main projects I worked on was a branding communication plan. I updated the designs for GeoAct’s LinkedIn and YouTube pages, created a posting schedule, and developed sample content. I presented the plan over Zoom, and it was approved for use going forward. That project stood out to me because it demonstrated that I could create something that would last beyond just my internship. I also participated in stakeholder calls, where I prepared talking points, practiced adjusting my tone to different groups, and became accustomed to responding to feedback on the spot. These calls helped me feel more confident in professional conversations.

My classes at Chapman proved to be beneficial during this experience. Audience segmentation helped me understand how to effectively communicate with scientists, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations. Narrative theory provided me with ideas on how to present scientific data in a way that tells a story people can connect with. Intercultural communication helped me be more mindful when interacting with people from different regions.

Picture of Seif El Askary and other interns at GeoAct

One of the most rewarding parts was using photos and videos from my travels in Dahab, Cairo, and Alexandria. These showed things like coral reef damage and coastal erosion. The team decided to use them in their climate awareness campaigns, which made me feel like I brought something personal and unique to the table.

If I could change one thing, I would have started engaging with stakeholders earlier and asking for feedback sooner during projects. Still, I learned a great deal about managing projects, adapting to changes, and finding innovative ways to communicate science to diverse audiences.

I would recommend GeoAct to students who are motivated and interested in sustainability. The mentorship was supportive, the work was meaningful, and I gained skills that will help me as I move forward in my career.