Knowledge Management (KM) student Alina Gerall ‘24 worked in theatre production for 15 years before shifting gears in her career. Looking for a way to translate her experience into a more stable field, Gerall enrolled in the iSchool and KM program.
With the help of KM professor Dr. Kendra Albright, Gerall learned how she could use her past skills to connect individuals in an organization.
“Building connections between people is what interested me in knowledge management,” Gerall said. “Using the knowledge that exists in everyone’s heads to solve the problems within an organization appeals to me.”
“What’s valuable about Kent’s program is that I was able to take classes in UX and library science, which have had an immediate impact on what I’ve learned and practiced at USAID."
Dr. Albright played a strong role in Gerall’s receiving her internship with the U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau of Planning, Learning and Resource Management. The internship has allowed Gerall to work on developing programs for USAID.
“It is fascinating to have the opportunity to practice this craft and see how knowledge management is integrated into a bureaucracy,” Gerall said. “I am eager to see how knowledge management works at the high policy level and how it is integrated on the ground and in the individual missions in each country.”
Thanks to classes such as knowledge organization systems, Gerall was able to receive hands-on experiences that can apply to her internship at USAID.
“I mentioned that I am learning to build taxonomies in one of my classes and the people at my internship were impressed,” Gerall said. “It was amazing seeing that I can apply what I am learning in the classroom into the real world.”
The program’s emphasis on taking a multidisciplinary approach also allowed Gerall to expand beyond her boundaries.
“What’s valuable about Kent’s program is that I was able to take classes in UX and Library science, which have had an immediate impact on what I’ve learned and practiced at USAID."
Before starting her internship, Gerall was filled with a combination of nerves and excitement. However, USAID’s welcoming environment has provided her experience with memorable and fun moments.
“I had never worked in a government office before so I was unsure of what to expect and how my skills would translate,” Gerall said. “During my first meeting, I was able to contribute something that was a useful piece of information and to have the people there be excited about it meant a lot to me.”
Gerall’s internship has also allowed her to explore what the future holds in the field of knowledge management. She hopes to learn more about integrating policy and helping others.
“The way knowledge management can solve people's problems is the thing that drew me to the field,” Gerall said. “Through this field, I want to make other people’s lives easier.”