Reports from the Field
As they do every Field Work Term, Bennington students fanned out all over the country and the world to test and deepen their knowledge in the field. This year, 598 students worked at 497 organizations in 30 states and 35 countries. They did their work with the help of a network of Bennington alumni and families who support them by offering jobs, mentoring, convincing their employers to take them on, and offering housing at low or no cost.
We’re delighted to share a few of their stories here; for more on how Bennington students work now, check out the most recent issue of Bennington magazine, including a podcast by Holly McCormack, Dean of Field Work Term and Career Development.
Interested in hosting, hiring, or supporting a Bennington student during Field Work Term? Contact us for more information.
Faruk Čalkić ’18, a junior studying architecture and design, is interning in the studio of Katie Leede, an interior and textile designer in New York City. He’s been working on designing a table for a fundraiser for the New York Botanical Garden, participating in client meetings and site visits, talking to developers, architects, and other designers—in short, learning the ins and outs of working at a small firm. His work this winter is made possible by Mark and Katie Coleman P ’18 (and cat Karma and dog McDuff), who have generously opened their home to him.
Elio Jahaj ’18 has his eye on law school once he finishes his degree in social sciences this spring. He’s spending his final FWT interning with Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney (HNRK), an opportunity made possible thanks to John Kenney, a Bennington College trustee. In conducting research on criminal and administrative cases for HNRK, Elio is both developing his graduate school applications and preparing for the thesis he will complete in his final term. He is spending the winter living with host Loriann Laraia P ’18.
Lizeth Nance ’20 is student-teaching at the Brooklyn New School for her first FWT. Her work with a class of elementary schoolers builds on her prior experience teaching English as a second language to adult students, and will, she hopes, lay the groundwork for the Plan she intends to pursue in education and psychology. She is living for the winter with Alexandra (Zan) Jacobus P ’20, who arranged the internship and is graciously hosting Lizeth.
William Giambalvo ’20 is spending his first FWT working as a booking agent at Mongrel Music. Working on the front lines of a fast-paced music agency, William has been learning about entertainment booking and talent scouting first-hand, preparing him for his intended Plan in music. His Field Work Term was sponsored by Valerie Hersey P ’17, who says it’s been a pleasure having William around the office, and that “we’re all learning a lot.”