Reflecting on an Internship Experience
October 2, 2024
At LeadingAge PA, we are committed to fostering growth and leadership within the aging services sector, including non-healthcare fields like marketing and communications. This past summer, we offered an internship that provided hands-on experience, professional development, and a deeper understanding of how communications professionals support the aging services sector.
We are proud to share a reflection from our 2024 summer intern, Madison Brawley, a Marketing and Business Analytics student at the University of Delaware, highlighting her experience and growth during her time with us.
Now that my summer internship with LeadingAge PA has come to an end, I am reflecting on an incredible learning experience. The opportunity not only improved my professional skills but also taught me the genuine value and impact of aging services. My time was filled with growth and learning, and I am pleased to share some of my accomplishments.
Hands-on Experience in Communications
During my time as a Communications Intern, I worked on a variety of projects that provided real-world experience and insight into communications within a nonprofit association. One of my key responsibilities was conducting a thorough website review. This task involved analyzing the site’s content to ensure it effectively communicated LeadingAge PA’s mission and vision. I also considered accessibility and functionality, providing feedback that helped improve engagement with key audiences.
Strategic Marketing and SEO
Additionally, I contributed to developing a strategic marketing plan for the upcoming Fall Finance Conference. This involved collaborating with the communications team to brainstorm and create a schedule for content distribution across various channels, including email, social media, and promotional materials. I also analyzed media reports by reviewing and summarizing the performance and impact of a month’s marketing efforts and compared the outcomes with the previous month to assess trends and overall effectiveness.
Furthermore, I learned about the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in driving website visibility. This enhanced my understanding of how small changes can improve online presence, boosting engagement and awareness.
Appreciation for Aging Services
Beyond technical skills, this internship gave me a deep appreciation for aging services. LeadingAge PA’s commitment to enhancing the quality of care for older adults is truly inspiring, and I am proud to have contributed to an organization with such a meaningful mission.
Gratitude and Future Outlook
I owe a huge thank you to the amazing communications team at LeadingAge PA – Katie Andreano, Yana Kuzina, and Toshi Nelson – for their support and mentorship, which made this internship so rewarding. Thank you for guiding me and helping me grow both personally and professionally. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such talented professionals.
As I enter my final year of college, I feel that the skills and insights I gained this summer have deepened my understanding of nonprofit communications and strengthened my appreciation for aging services. This experience has provided me with valuable knowledge for my future.
Thank you, LeadingAge PA, for an impactful and unforgettable summer!
We are incredibly proud of Madison’s dedication and contributions throughout her internship. Her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were key to our work this summer as we continued to advocate for and improve aging services across Pennsylvania. We look forward to what lies ahead for Madison and thank her for spending her summer with us!