You Have an Internship- NOW WHAT?

  Here at the RIC we are no strangers to the benefits of internships. We know that by hiring individuals with internship experience, an employer can increase the efficiency of their organization and lower costs associated with turn over. Students stand to gain real world experience from working professionals, while building their resume and networking in their field. But once this intial connection is made, what can a student do to get the most out of their internship?

  Recently I had the chance to talk with Katrina Struloeff about her role as an intern with the Union Project and hear about how she successfully turned her Internship experience into a full time position as Marketing and Development Manager at the Union Project following her internship.

Katrina Struloff

(RIC) How did you find your internship with the Union Project?

Katrina: Finding my position at the Union Project was definitely a situation of exploring a city and seeking out a position that I wanted. I actually approached the leadership at the UP asking if they would consider me for an internship position. I offered my resume and listed all of my experience. Coming into the situation at the time I was hired as an intern allowed me to learn about, and experience first- hand all aspects of a small and growing non profit organization.

(RIC) What were some of your main projects as an intern at the Union Project?

Katrina: I was basically put in charge of designing a marketing and communications plan and then implementing that for the organization. As the Marketing Intern my daily activities ranged from creating an overall plan, to doing outreach to neighbors, to designing promotional materials, to updating the website, to answering phone calls and fielding questions to event support.

(RIC) Did you anticipate your internship experience turning into a permanent full-time position?

Katrina: Honestly, I began my internship with one goal, to experience something new in the community while involving my passions. At the time of beginning my position I wasn't sure if I would be staying in the city of Pittsburgh or moving back to the west coast. As the time approached for completing my graduate degree, I was honored to be offered a full- time position at the Union Project. 

(RIC) What are some specific ways you think your experience as an intern has helped you?

Katrina: My experience as an intern has been invaluable. Yes, that is the obvious answer, but it is also the truest statement I can make. Through my position I was able to not only experience and learn about a community and its needs, but also to build relationships across the city and eventually the country. The interaction with [Union Project] partners allowed me to get my name in people's minds and eventually led to my new position, board and committee appointments as well as amazing friends and mentors. It was also a practical and intensive testing ground for my design, public relations, and nonprofit trainings. I could go on for pages about the lessons I learned.

(RIC) What advice would you give to a someone who is looking to make the most out of their an internship experience?

Katrina: The best advice I can give is to seek out what you want and inform internship sites of your end goals. If they have those in mind you can shift some of the learning experiences to be as helpful as possible and have more impact on your future.

 Also, don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone has made mistakes to get where they are and often, if you are putting in your full effort, mistakes can lead to new solutions. Finally, push your supervisors to have honest and productive evaluations with you. An internship is about learning for both you and your internship supervisors.

After working with the Union Project as Marketing and Development Manager for two years, Katrina has recently accepted a position as Public Relations Manager at the Mid Atlantic Network of Youth and Family Services (MANY).

The Union Project, site of Katrina's internship

Are you an employer who has hired a RIC intern or a RIC intern that has been offered a job as a result of your internship? We would love to hear from you! Please contact Trisha Ross to share you RIC success stories !

Click here to check out all of the marketing Internships currently posted on the RIC!