Name: Veronica
Class of 2013
Major: Communication Studies
CFS Program: Field Studies in Civic Engagement

My internship experience revolved largely around conference planning. Tasks included in conference planning consisted of inviting hundreds of students to the conference, recruiting volunteers and past Alumni to attend, planning the logistics of the event, contacting Alumni speakers and financial aid presenters, deciding on incentives,…creating materials and activities for the students, and ensuring that day-of tasks are completed.was also focused on scheduling and attending classroom visits with my internship supervisor. I actually created an activity that we do when we visit the groups of students and makes our visits more interactive rather than have us lecture to them for the entire class period. More recently, I have taken the reins on planning and executing an upcoming Reunion conference for our college freshmen when they return to Chicago over winter break…I did not feel like an outsider…I felt like any other team member. My internship supervisor and I [had] weekly check-ins where I create[d] an agenda to keep her up-to-date with my progress on certain tasks and projects and we would go over it together. After these meetings, I would walk away with clear next actions and I would feel confident in what I should accomplish throughout the upcoming week.

Before CFS, I was unsure of my career interests and how I could best apply the skills I learned at Northwestern out in the real world. Finding an internship through CFS, with the assistance of Karen Allen, connected me to an entire group of people who have supported me over the last couple of months and spent time getting to know me. Having the opportunity to meet people who are truly passionate about what they do, gives me hope for my future career aspirations.