Blue Ribbon Internships

October 19, 2012
allysonkrull's picture

As I've been working on my fall to-do list here at work, it has me thinking back to five years ago when I was an intern with the Foundation. I've recently posted the internship description to recruit new hires for next spring and summer and remember how excited I was about the opportunity when I applied, and even more ecstatic after I was hired and had experienced it first hand. For someone who has a terrible memory, I remember a lot of that summer - how much I learned, the new friends I made, and of course, how much fun I had.

We are taking applications for one spring/summer intern and two full time summer interns. As a Foundation intern, you get to experience the Fair behind the scenes as well as many other opportunities I don't think you can find at every job. Work is divided up among the interns but you have the opportunity to coordinate and schedule 500+ volunteers, head a state-wide recognition program (Iowan of the Day), work with our executive director on donor relation projects, and help plan a party/fundraiser (the Corndog Kickoff) for nearly 1,500 people! The best part is, in our small office, we are a tight knit group and we really let the interns take ownership of their projects. While a lot of work and responsibility, it's a wonderful experience for any college student looking for a great summer internship.

A couple of events I'm working on right now include our annual Fairgrounds 5K that will take place in just a few short weeks, and also our holiday party we have each December. I remember attending and helping with both of these events after my internship was over; I couldn't get enough. Speaking of the 5K, be sure to sign up this weekend to receive the discounted entry fee. Starting Monday, registration will go up to $25. Either way, the money goes toward to a great cause so we hope you can join us on November 4th!

I couldn't find any photos of us from that summer, but I did find a couple from other Blue Ribbon events I mentioned above. Our group of interns grew really close that summer and while we don't talk regularly, I still consider them friends and will never forget our summer together. Brooke is missing from the photos below, but our group consisted of four college girls- Tara, DeEtta, Brooke and myself.

Tara, DeEtta and myself helping at the very first Fairgrounds 5K in 2007.

 

Interns at the 2007 Blue Ribbon Foundation holiday party!

 

If you're a college student, or you know of one that might be interested, please pass thing opportunity along - we are always looking for good help! And as I'm sure many of the interns before and after me can attest, it's an amazing experience!