Reflections on my internship with Local Matters
/Author: MacKenzie Powell, Local Matters Intern, Spring 2019
The semester interning with Local Matters has been amazing.
I only have good things to say about this nonprofit. The staff is passionate, friendly, inclusive, and always willing to help. The work environment is open and welcoming. The work Local Matters does is impactful and inspiring. As their intern this semester, I was greeted with open arms and taken in as one of their own. Local Matters feels like home.
As Local Matters’ communication intern, I completed a few different projects this semester. My first big task was to complete a website audit; I read and edited all the content on Local Matters’ website. I spent three weeks editing and revising the content on their website. This task was challenging and helped stretch my editing skills. Throughout this grueling process, Sarah was there to answer my questions and give me the push I needed to complete the audit. I have also collected social media data analytics, compiled a list of over 100 media mentions of Local Matters over ten years, and created social media content. All these tasks have helped me immensely grow as a writer.
This semester, I have learned a lot about being environmentally friendly. Local Matters has helped me become more conscious about my efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Before interning at Local Matters, I thought there was only one way to recycle, but I found out through Local Matters’ recycling effort there are multiple ways to recycle; different types of plastics go into different bins. Local Matters is a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about becoming environmentally friendly.
Local Matters has made a large impact on me. I am thankful that I had this opportunity to intern with this nonprofit. I will take what I learned at Local Matters with me wherever I go. Thank you, Local Matters, for being so inspiring!
Check out my tips and tricks on how to be a successful Local Matters’ intern below!
Recipe: How to navigate staff lunches
Ingredients:
1 tasty lunch
4 cups of good communication skills
3 oz of confidence
6 tbs of transparency
Directions:
Take your lunch to the kitchen. Mix 4 cups of good communication skills, 3 oz of confidence and 6 tbs of transparency together. Take a deep breath and enjoy your lunch. Take time to ask your coworkers questions; don’t worry everyone is very friendly.
Recipe: How to assimilate to nonprofit culture
Ingredients:
2 cup of observation skills
1 cup of research
1/3 cup of open mindedness
2 tbs of questions
Directions:
Combine 2 cups of your observation skills with 1 cup of research. Observe Local Matters’ culture and research local nonprofit culture. Sift 1/3 cup of open mindedness with 2 tbs of questions. Some elements of Local Matters’ culture may be different than what you’re used to, so keep an open mind. Do not be afraid to ask questions!
Recipe: How to pick up on nonprofit jargon
Ingredients:
4 cups of research
2/3 cups of questions
Directions:
Sift 4 cups of research with 2/3 cups of questions. Do your research on nonprofit jargon and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re confused!
Recipe: How to tell your supervisor you need more assignments
Ingredients:
1 intern
1 supervisor
1 tbs of questions
2 cups of courage
1 oz of determination
Directions:
Blend 1 tbs of questions, 2 cups of courage and 1 oz of determination together. Muster up the courage to ask your supervisor for more things to do. Take your determination with you when you ask for more assignments. All you must do is ASK!