Entry by Pat Patterson – from the February 2011 INTERNnetwork
For many employers, deciding whether to hire an intern is not easy. A lack of office space or time, for instance, may prevent some businesses from doing so. The same applies to students – because of time or distance, they may not be able to complete an internship when and where they desire.
A project at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College known as the “Social Marketing Experiment” addressed these issues. Funded through a $15,000 Ball Brothers Foundation Venture grant and the Lilly Endowment, it allowed on-campus and distance students to collaborate and construct social media marketing campaigns for local nonprofits.
As part of the “Social Marketing Experiment,” students worked virtually for various nonprofits, communicating either through phone or e-mail. This was an ideal arrangement for Annessa Rentschler, a Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College senior and mother of one. As an intern, she worked with a team of four to create a web site and Facebook page for The Maple Center.
First, Rentschler and her group set up a conference call with the Center’s director to discuss expectations and goals relating to the social media project. The group then established its own deadlines and set up weekly class meetings via phone.
All subsequent work was completed virtually. In describing interaction with the Center’s director, Rentschler explains, “We worked with her using e-mail and phone, and never saw her. This made communicating more difficult, but helped with time constraints.”
Throughout the internship, Rentschler assumed a leadership role by helping delegate responsibilities, coordinating communication among team members and ensuring deadlines were met. When she graduates this summer, she plans to pursue an MBA in finance or business and become a professor. Her internship experience will prove beneficial, as she learned a great deal about communicating effectively, and designing and implementing a work plan.
Rentschler recommends that every student complete a virtual internship.
“The work world is heading in a more online, virtual direction and such experience is bound to be helpful in the future,” she asserts.
Internships in Action
Are you an intern in action like Annessa Rentschler? We want to hear about your internships! Indiana INTERNnet seeks individuals to feature in the monthly Interns in Action Spotlight. Interns may nominate themselves or be nominated by employers and educators. Tell us your story – contact Pat Patterson at ppatterson@indianachamber.com or 317-264-6863.
