Justin Wilson is a Junior at NIU studying Marketing and Nonprofit and NGO Studies.

This spring, Justin participated in the Internship Program and was paired with Adventure Works. Here is what Justin had to say about his internship experience:

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

Justin: My position at Adventure Works is the Marketing and Development Intern. One of the biggest projects of my internship with Adventure Works is marketing and fundraising. I’ve been working on some of the marketing materials, such as flyers and mailings, for upcoming events as well as our 5th annual Barn-B-Que fundraiser happening in June. I am also helping with Give DeKalb County and organizing social media posts around that fundraiser.

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

Justin: I think the coolest part of my internship with Adventure Works is the opportunity to meet new people. Whether this be from different events or meetings I attend, it’s nice to make connections in the community as well as with the board members and staff. I also really appreciate having the experience in working in the nonprofit sector and gaining valuable career experience.

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

Justin: I think that all students should pursue internship opportunities because they are able to see what working in the nonprofit sector is like after graduation. Volunteering for an organization is great, but seeing the logistics and administrative side of an organization is very beneficial and it’s neat to see what you have learned in class that can be applied to an actual organization.

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

Justin: A big thank you to the Roberts Family Foundation for everything they have done for this internship program! Through my internship, I have been able to take what I have learned in my various classes and put those skills to use in the nonprofit sector. I know that this will be very beneficial in my future career endeavors.