Fall 2018 Marketing Intern

My name is Erin Howard and I had the privilege of interning at United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region during the fall of 2018. From September through mid-December, I was able to experience what working in a nonprofit is like. As a Marketing and Social Media Intern, I primarily dealt with matters involving press releases and social media posts; however, the lessons I learned during this time were far more extensive.

 

I am currently a sophomore at Marist College where I am majoring in political science and minoring in journalism and professional writing. My Public Service Careers Course this semester inspired me to consider nonprofit work. After interning at United Way this semester, I have learned that there is no experience as rewarding as the opportunity to intern in a nonprofit.

 

My time spent at United Way has shown me that there are opportunities for volunteerism in just about every aspect of life. Much of my work at United Way dealt with the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition. The Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition allows qualifying residents of Dutchess and Orange counties to have their tax returns prepared and filed, free of charge and stress. I was amazed by the positive financial impact of this service. Providing free-tax preparation is invaluable to so many residents of Dutchess and Orange counties, however it is an area of need that I had never considered. I am so grateful for the perspective my work with the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition has given me.

 

Although I am writing this on my last day as an intern here, I am confident that what I’ve learned throughout the past eleven weeks will stick with me far into my future endeavors. I think what will resonate with me the most from this experience is just how much of a difference a nonprofit can make in the lives of the people it helps. I am in awe of the tireless extent to which United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region works to improve its community. From their successful Days of Sharing to their Young Leaders United Program, United Way looks out for everybody. I am so glad I chose to donate my time to an organization that works so hard.

 

Next semester, I am headed to Washington, D.C. to intern and take courses. I am confident that all I’ve learned at United Way will help me succeed and excel. I cannot wait to find out what the future holds and I am so grateful that my first internship experience was at United Way.

 

I am so lucky to have been surrounded by such a supportive and friendly staff during my time at United Way. Even as an intern, I felt like an appreciated and valued member of the team. I would like to thank United Way and everyone here for providing me with this great opportunity—I will never forget it.

 

—Erin Howard, Marketing & Social Media Intern, Fall 2018

Marist, Class of 2021

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