Internships are a part of many young adult’s lives. Whether it’s guiding a university student into the working world or helping a determined worker gain more skills, internships have been praised for being a win-win for both interns and companies!
Video from the Unite Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties
A Peek into United Way
Photo provided by the United Way.
United Way is a non-profit fundraising organization that uses its funds to help lift up areas of the community that need the most help. According to Erin Fagan, an intern at United Way, “essentially, they are a big organization that has a multitude of smaller, localized branches that work to improve and unite the communities they are a part of whatever that might look like for each community.”
A committee of impact volunteers review the requests for funds and determine where the funds are needed most. According to United Way, “our focus is on education, health, and financial stability—the building blocks for a good quality of life.” United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois County have helped over 24,000 people this year alone.
“To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good”
United Way of kankakee and Iroquois County
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United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois County have several programs to give back to the community. 2-1-1, Women’s United, and Prescription Discount Cards are just some of the ways United Way gives back to their community. They achieve this by “hosting events, fundraising and giving out grants to other local non-profits that make a positive impact in the community, etc” says Fagan. With so many in need, United Way is always eager for volunteers who love their community and want to see it thrive!
Erin Fagan: A Student Intern
Erin Fagan, a senior majoring in Public Relations and Strategic Communication at Olivet Nazarene University, interned for United Way in May of 2024. During her internship, she designed promotional materials, edited videos, assisted with mailings, wrote press releases, and much more. Fagan also enjoyed attending and hosting community events, such as luncheons, farmer’s markets, and community serve days.
“I personally feel called to use communication to spread messages and ideas that will inform, help, and connect people to others, places, and resources that are going to help them thrive and live fruitful lives”
Erin Fagan
When asked about the value of her internship, Fagan shared her enjoyment of her internship. Fagan was able to connect and build relationships with others while improving her skills. Public relations were a key skill she learned during her time with United Way. Connecting with those in her field as well as those within her community helped her build up confidence and gain valuable experience.
Overall, Fagan recommends this internship to other communication majors.
“I had a great experience, and would recommend it to people studying communication who are interested in the non-profit sector,” Fagan said.
As PR Agencies and Non-Profit Organizations are vastly different, it is important to consider this difference when thinking of interning. When it comes to United Way, if you love interacting with your community, forming meaningful connections, and improving yourself professionally, United Way is the place for you.
I'm an English Education student studying at Olivet Nazarene University! My goal is to be a secondary education English teacher! I hope to one day take my skills to Japan and teach young Japanese students English. For now, I am just a hardworking and eager to learn student.
