In this installment, development intern Taylor Velarde appreciates the IP camaraderie
While exploring possible internships for the summer of 2015, I found myself searching for opportunities that would broaden my horizons. When I discovered the internship program with Island Press, I was initially hesitant to apply due to my lack of experience working for a non-profit and an organization with a focus on environmental issues. However, I decided to apply regardless, hoping to leverage an opportunity to intern for Island Press into a unique learning experience.
After spending the summer working as Island Press’s development intern, I feel confident in saying that my time spent here has given me invaluable work experience and tools to further my career aspirations. Through my duties working for the development branch, I strongly improved my research and writing skills by conducting research on foundation grant funding and potential donors and writing prospect profiles. I also improved my organizational skills by helping manage the donor database and keeping track of donor relations.
Beyond gaining valuable work experience, one of the best aspects of the internship program has to be the friendly workplace environment. Everyone who works at Island Press is passionate about the environmental and urban issues that concern the organization, yet are also very laid-back and approachable. Whenever I had questions, not only my supervisor Meg but all members of the staff were happy to give me feedback or help me if need be.
Another beneficial aspect of the internship were the IP101s, training workshops offered to both the interns and staff from all departments that explain exactly how Island Press as an organization functioned, from fundraising to book publishing to marketing. In the end, I am very satisfied with my experience working for Island Press and would recommend the internship to anyone desiring to learn more about non-profit organizations or environmental issues.
