- Graduation Year: May 2015
- Major: Broadcast Journalism
- Minor: Theatre
- Hometown: Warrensburg, IL
- Hobbies: Acting, singing, video games, thrifting, discovering weird movies
Campus Activities
- Secretary and Web Master for the What You Will Shakespeare Company Executive Board
- Actress with the What You Will Shakespeare Company
- Hotel Desk Clerk at the Illini Union Hotel
Internship | Development Intern at the Community Center for the Arts
Duties
I was an assistant to the head of billing and other administrative operations. Every day, we would sit down and talk over what projects we should work on and what daily duties still needed to be completed. I created spreadsheets of possible sponsors, clients and other entities. The internship was very heavy in data, customer interaction and details.
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
I personally enjoyed the internship’s flexibility. While I had set duties and goals, I could also expand through discussions with my supervisor. If there was something I was interested in, she would happily look into it and allow me to do so.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
The most difficult aspect of my internship was finding the correct data on businesses. While the internet is a helpful tool, the only way to truly gather everything I needed was to get out there and visit every single place.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
My experience with the university, and my college in particular, taught me the importance of being prompt and collected. It also gave me the initiative to do my job well and go beyond the base standards. In other words, my education has crafted me to be a “go getter.”
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
This internship really taught me the business side of my profession. While my internship was not necessarily journalism, I still dealt with people through marketing and media but with administrative duties and standpoints. It gave me necessary office skills I will use for many times to come.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
Before you take on an internship, make sure you understand exactly what you are taking on. While I fully enjoyed being an administrative intern, that is not the internship I had expected when I applied. Ask as many questions as you can and know what you’re getting into. While my internship was great, you never know what might be around the corner if you’re not informed.