From Penn to the Pacific: My Internship Experience in Auckland
Gabrielle Cayo (CAS ’27)
GRIP: Social Sciences and Humanities Research in Auckland, New Zealand
My internship in New Zealand took place at the University of Auckland, where I dove into historical research on German intervention in Samoa between 1900-1914. What began as a project on colonial dynamics quickly expanded backwards into the 1870s, as I traced how racial hierarchies of labor were implemented, especially concerning Melanesians and Black people in Samoa.
Most of my work involved deep research– conducting literature reviews, sifting through archival resources, and attending historical conferences where I got to engage with academics from around the world. The conferences were some of the highlights of my experience: I not only gained new perspectives but also felt a part of a community of scholars who were all genuinely passionate about history. I met some incredible scholars– some of whom I had read previously, which was a major fangirl moment– and listened to incredible and well researched talks by PhD students. These moments helped to broaden my perspective on what research was possible, where I could apply for masters programs, and the ways in which I could use both of my degrees– one in international relations and the other in urban studies.
This internship changed the way I think about my future. Before New Zealand, I had never seriously considered academia or a PhD. But seeing my supervisor, Nicole, in action shifted something for me. She was sharp, funny, and unapologetically herself– someone who clearly had built a career and life she was proud of. Watching her, I could suddenly picture myself going down that path too. At the same time, my research has also pushed me towards working with NGOs in the future and possibly pursuing social justice work.
One of the most challenging parts of the internship was managing my time as an independent researcher. Self-pacing isn’t always easy, and I quickly learned that discipline was essential to my success as a researcher. I began coming into the office every day, setting blocks of time to deeply focus on my work, and holding myself accountable to clear goals, allowing me to build sustainable working habits.
By the end of my internship, I felt like I had grown in a number of different professional areas– this project forced me to balance creativity and independence with structure, and it expanded my sense of what is possible for my career. I miss Nicole and those I worked with in Auckland already, but I carry their words of personal and professional wisdom with me. This experience didn’t just deepen my academic skills– it reshaped the way I see my whole future.
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