My career and interest in local government started with an internship with the McLean County administrator’s office many years ago. Today, I see many successful college students launch careers because of internships they have had. Former interns of the EDC include an aide for New Orleans Mayor Nagin, a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University and a current employee. Having an internship provides valuable experience for the intern and great productivity for the organization. Here is information about an available internship:

ISU Capitol Hill Sponsorship — Illinois State University is offering a scholarship for students that will allow them to spend a summer or semester in Washington, D.C. The program provides a student with an opportunity to observe government at work by working in a Congressional or Senate office, a federal agency or a business. Up to four students will be chosen across disciplines for each term. Students are not paid, but each will receive a $4,000 scholarship to help defray the cost of living in Washington, D.C. For more information about the scholarship, interested students can contact Marissa McCord, Associate Director of Research and Sponsored Programs, at (309) 438-8595 or at mbmccor@ilstu.edu.

The EDC welcomes inquiries by students interested in internships.  Here is what our current Project Analyst Ken Springer, who finished his master’s degree while interning at the EDC,  had to say about his internship:

“Interning at the EDC was an adventure.  Often, I’d find myself thrust into situations and projects with which I had no prior experience.  This terrified me at first, but I quickly realized that what I was really getting was an opportunity to develop new skills and test my ingenuity.  The EDC staff was great at letting me work  on the outside edge of my comfort zone, but was still there to give guidance when necessary.  Interning at the EDC requires you to think quickly and critically.  Your boldness is rewarded with a wealth of experience.”

Jonah Ralston, who is currently working on his doctorate degree at  Michigan State University, also talked about his experience:

“The benefits of internships cannot be overstated; they provide valuable practical experience, and they allow you to make a number of professional contacts. They offer an opportunity to differentiate yourself in a highly competitive job market or in an application to increasingly selective graduate programs. My time at the Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area afforded me many interesting opportunities, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time interning there during my senior year at Illinois State University.”

Grace Leopold, our most recent intern, now holds a marketing position in Chicago. She is thankful for all the knowledge she gained during her experience:

“Knowing essentially nothing about economic development when I first heard of the EDC, I anticipated learning a great deal during my time spent there. Not only did I learn a great deal about the vast array of hard work that goes into developing and retaining business in a community, I also learned politics, finance, community outreach, work ethic, dedication and what passion for a job really means. My internship was the most memorable and educational experience of my college career by far.”

 

Often, the internships are unpaid, but the opportunities and experience and friendships can last a lifetime. Contact me to find out more at (309) 452-8437 or mvanags@bnbiz.org.