Internships - Who Benefits the Most?

Part II

Internships prepare students to face the challenges of work "in the real world" and oftentimes lead to a job that matches career goals with personal passion.

Eight years ago Megan Connor never dreamed she would be where she is today - Marketing Assistant with the Kansas City Chapter, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). As a diabetic, Megan had volunteered with JDRF for years, but it was not until college that she considered it a career option.

Wanting to make a difference, Megan enrolled in a nonprofit leadership class through the American Humanics (AH) program at Kansas State University (Manhattan) - a program that prepares students to be effective nonprofit leaders through coursework and internships.

During Megan's senior year, she interned with the Kansas State University Foundation Special Events Department and continued her volunteer work with JDRF. After graduation Megan joined the American Humanics' team as the communications and development intern at the national office in Kansas City.

Two months into this internship she received a job offer from JDRF. Eight years of volunteer work and several internships gave JDRF comfort that Megan would make an immediate difference at their agency.

The knowledge and skills acquired during her internships could not have been attained nor duplicated in a classroom setting. With JDRF, the K-State Foundation and AH Megan was able to connect passion with skills.

I once was asked "Do you love what you're doing, or are you doing what you love?" A subtle but important distinction can be drawn between the two. An internship can give students, and ultimately employers, an edge as students seek a career 'doing what they love.'

- Tami Druzba, MBA, Vice President (Fort Worth, Texas) tami@hartsookcompanies.com

Note: Megan Connor is a 2006 graduate of Kansas State University. She holds a degree in journalism and mass communications and an American Humanics certificate in nonprofit leadership. For more information on internships through American Humanics contact SueAnn Strom, sastrom@humanics.org.

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"We invite donors in for visitors' day. Posters and pictures are placed around the office to visually tell the organization's story. Visitors are shown a seven-minute video. A core member oversees the tour and gives a testimonial of why they have committed to one year as a mentor and/or tells success stories related to how they've touched the life of a child." - Pamela Joy Pratt, CFRE, City Year (Detroit, Mich.)

If you are interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com

The Hartsook School of Consulting

Bob Hartsook, an icon and expert in the fundraising profession, has been dedicated to the education and advancement of fundraising for decades. He has offered seminars in more than 30 cities across the country; been a guest speaker for countless conferences, symposiums and classrooms; and authored six books and mountains of articles.

In 2007, Bob will take training to a new level - The Hartsook School of Consulting, a fundraising executive boot camp.

Keep watching various industry publications for more information. Or, if you want to be one of the first to hear more, send an email to hsc@hartsookcompanies.com with your contact information.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.