Why I Don’t Regret My Internship at United Way
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Why I Don’t Regret My Internship at United Way

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Aimee Kiel (2015 Intern), Kathy Miller (United Way staff) and Latrina Diggs (2015 Intern)

Written by Latrina Diggs, 2015 United Way Intern

May 16, 2016

Last summer, I had an amazing experience at the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. I needed an internship to fulfill requirements to graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Marketing Management/Communication from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). I wasn’t sure where to start so I went to the JobShop at MATC, an amazing place that makes sure students are fully prepared for internships and jobs. My goal was to get an internship that would allow me to use my research skills and help me build my interpersonal skills.

The JobShop directed me to United Way. I have to admit that I didn't know much about the organization beyond the fact that they did a lot of volunteering.

From my first day at United Way, I loved the atmosphere, people and the snacks! My supervisor, Kathy Miller, an account manager with the Resource Development department, made sure I was completely immersed in all aspects of what United Way does. This was not an internship where I sat in the office doing paperwork, but actually went out in the community to help make it better; whether it was by helping build a sandbox for children or manning a booth at a local event that shared the United Way mission.

The most unique thing about my internship at United Way was knowing that every project I participated in was meaningful and impacted not only me but the community at large. The volunteer experience that stuck to me the most was when I volunteered at the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center on United Way's Intern Day of Action. We helped construct a sandbox for the children there. It was so nice to be a part of a project that was so exciting for the children.

The experience I had as an intern at United Way gave me skills that can be applied not only to a career in marketing, but to anything I do in the future. This internship not only improved my organizational and professional skills, but also my interpersonal skills as we all worked together toward improving the community. As a result, I now have a full-time job working at Brady as an inspector where attention to detail and teamwork are essential. I plan on continuing my education next year in the marketing field.

The most important thing I gained from my six months at United Way was knowing that there is an organization so dedicated to creating change to the community and actually seeing it at work. Seeing the community’s needs being fulfilled through donations of money, materials or labor was amazing. I encourage any college student looking for an internship to consider United Way. You won’t regret it!

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