Name: Marissa Colella
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: The Coordinating Center
Position Title: Communications Specialist
Major(s)/Minor(s): Media and Communication Studies
Expected Graduation Year: Fall 2016
Briefly describe your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.
The Coordinating Center is a nonprofit organization that works with people of all ages and abilities and those who support them to promote health, happiness, and meaningful community life. As a Communications Intern, I maintain and routinely update the organization's intranet site, write and maintain content for internal communication materials, conduct research when necessary, and craft various informational and promotional videos for both internal and external use. A typical day consists of checking the site for relevant updates, adding or removing online content as necessary, and working on the video projects at hand. Specific tasks and materials vary, so no two days are exactly the same!
Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.
The first thing I had to do to get ready was meet with someone from the Career Center. I had a resume to show, but it definitely needed to be updated and re-worked! Once my resume was suitable for the job search, I attended a few workshops and fairs on campus to gain experience and exposure. The workshop that I attended offered tips and tricks to use when networking, and the internship fair gave me a good sense of what was available and interesting to me. The fair was not only a chance to meet recruiters, but an opportunity to experience and get comfortable with introductions and interviews!
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?
Working at The Coordinating Center has been a great experience, and one that I am thankful to be continuing. The Coordinating Center operates under an outstanding mission and everyone there is so compassionate and dedicated. I really enjoy the environment and the morale at the office. It’s been wonderful--I’m quite lucky!
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Particularly with fundraising videos, my task is to help raise awareness of The Center's work so that clients of the organization may benefit from furthered donations. Money raised helps families and individuals with complex medical needs receive equipment and services necessary for their health and quality of life, so it’s great that I can work with The Coordinating Center in their mission to make a difference.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice would be to start the search early and keep on top of it to the best of your ability. If you find that you're interested in something but need more information or have specific questions, don't be afraid to send an introductory e-mail to the organization's HR department. Once you’ve landed an interview appointment, be sure to collect as much organizational knowledge as possible so that you’re ready to impress!
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