image is from myjoboption.com
The main purpose of internships is to expose students to a
professional atmosphere outside the classroom. But if you are an adult student,
most likely you already have some experience under your belt. Understandably, the Adult Degree Completion program at Aurora University does not require of students to
complete an internship during their studies. And since I am an adult student, I
could have taken a class instead and be over with school in no time…
In reality, many of us, adult students, make the decision to
intern in an organization they respect and think will give them the tools to
improve their professional knowledge and skills.
Why did I decide to intern at the Fox Valley Park District?
Stay tuned; the answer will come in my next post. So, first thing first: here
are the six learning objectives I expect to fulfill during my internship:
Learning Objective # 1:
Improve my communication interpersonal skills -
Potential employers are known to look for one thing in your
resume: excellent communication skills. Unfortunately, not all of us are born
great communicators. During my 16 weeks at the marketing/communication
department of the park district, I am hoping to have a taste of what it is to
be a pro when it comes to productive written, verbal and nonverbal communication.
Learning Objective # 2: Expand
my professional network -
Creating new professional contacts is always a good thing.
Interns often gain career awareness and rely on the newly formed professional
relationships to find future jobs. One word comes to mind- referral, and with
it- the pressure to give my best, to make a positive impression and to
contribute to the company as well.
Learning Objective # 3:
Improve my written communication skills -
During my internship, I will have the opportunity to develop
my writing ability, especially when it comes to following the accepted
Associated Press Style. Hopefully, I will have the chance to work on a press
release or two…For right now, I enjoy the park district’s press releases,
articles and news stories, craftfully written by Jeff Long, public relations
manager for the Fox Valley Park District, and learn as I read.
Learning Objective # 4:
Expand my social and digital media knowledge -
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, you name it – the world
is falling fast under the spell of social media, and it is clear that if I want
a career in marketing I have to follow the rules of this widely popular form of
communication. The Fox Valley Park District, of course, has taken on the
challenge to keep up with 11 currently operating Facebook pages. Surely, I will
have the chance to improve my personal Facebook knowledge by contributing to
the park district’s social media efforts.
Learning objective # 5:
Improve my research skills-
In order to finish a work project as quick as possible, we
often skip the little step, called research. This 16 weeks will be my time to
indulge in doing the research needed to accomplish things the right way. Email
marketing, social media, website, articles in the print media, competitive
organizations of the Fox Valley Park District – those are some of the "bullets
points" on my internship list to explore and learn.
Learning objective # 6:
Develop special events planning experience -
I love, love spending time with people. I always manage to
learn something from them (sometimes, it goes the other way around). Probably
this is the thing I am the most excited about when it comes to my internship:
I will be able to participate in the planning and marketing of various special
events, and in joining the crowds as they take part in the fun activities offered
to them by the park district, such as the upcoming Zombie Invasion 5K Run.
image is from www.examiner.com
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