Leslie is a Nonprofit and NGO Studies major at Northern Illinois University with a minor in Art History. She recently served as an intern with Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra as part of the Internship Program.

Q: What project(s) are you working on as an intern?

Leslie: I have learned how to maintain a social media presence and learned to use Constant Contact and Little Green Light. I have also learned how much Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra is involved with the community.

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

Leslie: I like that I am learning new platforms and helping with events. I like the ability to work on some merchandise items and the large collection of music in the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra archives.

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

Leslie: There are many ways to learn. Hands-on learning is an opportunity to see how all the material from classes is used in the real world. Internships allow us to experience aspects of a career that a book or lecture leaves out, giving students a more rounded education.

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

Leslie: I would like to thank the Roberts Family Foundations for giving me the opportunity to expand my knowledge for my chosen career in the nonprofit field. Your support is helping me prepare for what happens after graduation – thank you!

The Internship Program is a collaboration between the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, and Career Services at Northern Illinois University, supported by the Douglas C. and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation.