Heidi Meier is a Senior at NIU studying Nonprofit and NGO Studies.

This spring, Heidi participated in the Internship Program and was paired with CASA DeKalb County where she took on the role of Marketing Intern. Here is what Heidi had to say about her internship experience:

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

Heidi: I am currently doing all of the social media posts on their Facebook and Twitter accounts using Hootsuite. I am also working on the Give DeKalb County campaign. I have been updating CASA’s fundraising page and reaching out to gain potential peer-to-peer fundraisers. I have been inputting information on Little Green Light of attendees from past 50 Men Who Cook events and will begin to help plan the 50 Men Who Cook event in the near future.

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

Heidi: The coolest part about my internship is that I am able to help with event planning. I aspire to be an event planner for nonprofits one day, so being able to gain this experience through CASA is really going to benefit my future career. I love that CASA allows me to help with the big fundraising events and that I am able to input my own ideas into the process.

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

Heidi: Students should pursue internship opportunities because they are extremely beneficial in preparing for future careers in nonprofits. Being able to see what happens on the operations side, instead of just volunteering, really gives them the hands-on experience that they will be able to carry throughout their careers.

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

Heidi: A huge thank you to the Roberts Family Foundation! Ever since I switched to this major, I have been interested in the internship program and here I am today participating in it. I would not be where I am today without the support from all of the funders. I know that this internship will be extremely beneficial in my future career in nonprofits and it will be an experience that I will remember forever. Thank you so much!