Emma Villella is a Junior at NIU studying Nonprofit and NGO Studies with a minor in Spanish.

This fall, Emma participated in the Internship Program and was paired with CASA DeKalb County. Here is what Emma had to say about her internship experience:

Q: What projects are you working on as an intern?

Emma: My official title is the Social Media & Marketing Intern, although I participate in much more than that. I have composed multiple volunteer recruitment email blasts, made updates to volunteer information flyers, created the board orientation packet, and I am responsible for all social media posts. Currently, we are updating our donor database and I help with inputting that data. In the future, I will be helping to compose our end of the year appeal.

Q: What is the biggest benefit and/or the coolest part of your internship experience?

Emma: I feel that the opportunity for me to network among members of the local nonprofit community is very beneficial because it allows for me to expand my knowledge of the various nonprofits’ operations, and it also provides me with the opportunity to get my name out there.

Q: In your opinion, why should students pursue internship opportunities?

Emma: Students should pursue internship opportunities for many reasons! One of the most important, I feel, is for the experience you obtain while interning. It may lead to possible job opportunities in the future, or put you ahead of others who have not participated in an internship.

Q: Please share any additional comments you have about your internship experience. 

Emma: I am incredibly grateful to the Roberts Family Foundation for their thoughtfulness and generosity. Thank you so much for supporting our future!