Interning with Purpose: My Summer at Beat the Streets’ Work It Girl
Hi, I’m Aisha. This summer, I’m interning remotely with Beat the Streets through the Work It Girl initiative made possible by the MLSE Foundation. From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, I handle design, research, communications, and program support all from behind my computer.
What Is Work It Girl?
“This job has helped me improve my time management, professional communication, and digital design, and this has helped me grow a lot as not only an employee but also a student.”
Work It Girl is a 16-session program delivered in schools across Toronto that combines combat sports (such as wrestling, boxing, or kickboxing) with leadership, resilience, and job skills training. Designed for girls from low-income communities, it builds confidence and employability through both physical and experiential learning. Thanks to generous funding from the MLSE Foundation, the program reached and empowered up to 80 girls ages 13–18 across the GTA.
My Schedule
8:00 AM – I wake up, make breakfast, and settle into my workstation.
9:00 AM – I start my day with a Toggl timer and a 15-minute check-in with my mentor, Jessica.
9:15 AM to 11:00 AM – I jump into Canva, creating social‑media graphics, conducting research, and polishing blog posts.
11:00 AM – Quick break, stretches, snacks, reset.
12:00 PM – Another 15-minute feedback check-in with Jessica.
12:15 PM to 2:00 PM – Finalise design drafts, schedule posts, and support the development of program materials.
What This Job Has Taught Me
I’ve sharpened real-world skills in writing, research, and design. Embracing a consistent 9–2 remote schedule taught me self-discipline, receptiveness to feedback, and self-motivation. On top of that, I built confidence and resilience qualities that the program cultivates in its participants through combat sports and leadership workshops.
Why Programs Like This Matter
The footprint you leave in the online world will outlast you even longer than social media posts, comments, browsing history and what other people say about you can be very detrimental to your future. Online profiles are regularly checked by employers, colleges and scholarship committees, and about 90 percent of employers and more than half of the colleges and committees dismiss applicants as a result. Digital Footprint
Formation of Identity: Adolescence is a critical time for identity development exploring values, roles, career interests, gender, and belief systems. This internal process helps teens define who they are and where they're going. Threepeaks
Reflections
I thought I’d be collaborating in a bustling group, but working one-on-one fits me even better. It helps me stay focused and supported. This is my first-ever job and my first remote role! I’m thrilled to contribute to a program I once benefited from, helping to build games and curriculum materials that will impact other girls.
After this Job
Thanks to Work It Girl, I landed my first paid position. Though sad to see this chapter close, I’m incredibly grateful. Now, my resume features experience in research, design, communications, leadership, and accountability all thanks to Beat the Streets and Work It Girl.
Recommendation
Working from home
“I’m proud of my consistency, improved communication and listening skills, and that I landed this first job”.
Would I tell other girls to apply? Absolutely! Work It Girl offers meaningful digital work experience, mentorship, and professional skill building all from home. I’m proud of my consistency, improved communication and listening skills, and that I landed this first job. It’s the perfect blend of in school empowerment and real internship experience exactly what I needed to prepare for the future.
Final Thank You
Thank you again, MLSE Foundation, for supporting this program and for supporting me in my first real job experience!
In summary: This internship has been more than a job it’s been a bridge between what I once received and what I now give back. Through design, communication, and program support, I’m helping extend the same confidence and opportunities to the next generation of girls.
About Beat the Streets:
At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique wrestling, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2015, we have served over 28,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work it Girl, After-School and Open Mat Sessions programs, providing them with opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success.
Join us in our mission to impact youth:
Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.
