I had the privilege of interning as a Foundation Communications Intern at the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Foundation. It was an honor to work closely with Melissa Koester, the Director of Donor Engagement, from whom I learned valuable skills and strategies that I will continue to apply throughout my professional career.
During my time as a Foundation Communications Intern, I experienced a significant shift in both my professional mindset and personal confidence. Initially, I assumed that navigating the professional world, particularly in a healthcare foundation, would be overwhelming and that I would play a small, supporting role. However through hands-on involvement in project management, social media marketing, and event planning, I realized I had the capacity to contribute meaningfully. Working closely with Melissa, further challenged my assumptions about leadership and collaboration. I saw firsthand how thoughtful planning, effective communication, and attention to detail contribute to successful outcomes, transforming my perspective on how to approach professional challenges. The experience also helped me grow in confidence and adaptability. By sitting in on meetings and contributing to projects, I became more comfortable speaking up and taking on responsibilities that once felt intimidating. Reviewing donor letters, creating graphics, and preparing marketing materials not only honed my creative skills but also taught me to approach tasks with a problem-solving mindset. Overall, my internship reshaped my view of the professional world, showing me that with the right mindset and support, I am capable of thriving in any environment and continually growing both creatively and professionally.
One of the most impactful aspects was working on social media marketing for events like Rally For The Cure and Teal We Find A Cure. These events not only allowed me to tap into my creative skills by designing graphics and posts but also provided a strong sense of purpose. Knowing that the projects I worked on were supporting causes that raised awareness and helped people added a deeper layer of meaning to my role. This shifted my understanding of how marketing and communication can be used not only to promote events but also to make a tangible difference in the community.
Another transformative element was the mentorship I received from Melissa Koester. Working closely with her, I learned valuable insights about leadership, project management, and donor engagement. Her positive attitude and open communication style created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and exploring my own ideas. Melissa’s approach to guiding me through tasks and encouraging me to take ownership of projects built my confidence and fostered my ability to work independently. I’ve found that with the right support and mindset, I could contribute meaningfully to high-stake projects, even as an intern.
Additionally, sitting in on meetings and being part of the planning process for events gave me a behind the scenes look at how much coordination and detail go into successful campaigns. Observing how professionals discussed logistics, addressed challenges, and strategized made me more aware of the importance of clear communication, teamwork, and adaptability. This experience directly translated into my own growth, as I learned to take on problems with a more organized and solution-focused mindset. Tasks like reviewing letters for accuracy and ensuring that event materials were comprehensive taught me the importance of attention to detail in delivering a polished and professional final product. These experiences, combined with the opportunity to take on real responsibilities, played a crucial role in expanding my skill set and boosting my confidence in my creative and professional abilities. I left the internship feeling more prepared to tackle new challenges and pursue creative endeavors, knowing that I had developed both the skills and the mindset needed to thrive in a professional setting. This transformation was not only about building technical expertise but also about believing in my ability to make meaningful contributions, no matter the setting or the challenge.
This transformation is especially significant as an Arts Management major with a minor in Communications because it directly aligns with my academic and career aspirations. The skills I developed during my internship, such as event planning, marketing, and effective communication, are fundamental to both fields. By working on real-world projects that combined creativity with strategic thinking, I gained practical experience that complements the theoretical knowledge I’ve acquired in my studies at Ohio State. This hands-on experience has strengthened my understanding of how to manage projects and communicate effectively with diverse audiences, both of which are critical to succeeding in arts management. This change is valuable to my personal growth and confidence as I approach graduation and transition into the professional world. Being able to contribute meaningfully to causes and events during my internship reinforced my passion for using arts and communication to impact communities. The leadership skills I honed and the confidence I gained in taking on new challenges will be instrumental as I pursue future roles in administration, marketing, or donor relations. This transformation has better equipped me to navigate the complexities of these fields and approach my career goals with a great sense of capability and purpose.
