By Nicole Petersen, Marketing and Communications Intern, fall 2018

I’m both extremely grateful and extremely saddened my time as marketing and communications intern at United Way is coming to an end. For the past four months, I have been challenged to be my best, worked with an amazing group of people and accomplished more than I ever thought I could.

As a third year public relations major, I still have a lot of room to grow. However, working with United Way has not only helped me develop my professional skills, but also sparked a passion for helping others. United Way’s core values and inspiration from the hard work and generosity of those who work here will stay with me throughout my life.

Here are 10 things I learned while interning at United Way:

1. It’s okay to make mistakes

And I made plenty of them! Embracing the learning process is key to bettering yourself in any aspect. Every edit to my writing, tweak to an idea and change to a design made me better!

2. Time management pays off

While at United Way, I took on a lot of projects. Effectively managing and scheduling my time made completing two or three projects on a deadline a breeze.

3. Teamwork makes everything better

At United Way, cross-functional collaboration is very common and very effective. In my time here, teams came together to create fantastic events that could have never been planned by one person alone. I learned firsthand that working together is the best way to get the job done.

4. Communication is essential

Teamwork would not be possible without great communication. I have learned that regularly scheduled updates and meetings help everyone stay in the loop and on track.

5. Hang on to skills learned in school

I have used so many skills taught in school that I never thought I would need. My AP style guide, once used to study for a final exam, has become my best friend again while writing for United Way.

6. Connecting work and passion is possible

Everyone who works at United Way is truly passionate about what they do in and out of the office. I learned that combining my love for helping others and for writing is totally possible, and can yield great results.

7. There are no bad questions

Though I have never been one to hold back a question, at United Way I have learned that I don’t have to feel bad about it. The people I worked with were always very generous with their time and willing to help me out.

8. Always lend a helping hand

Willingness to help out a co-worker is a very common sight at United Way. I learned while it’s important to focus on your own responsibilities, taking time out of your day to help someone else is always worth it.

9. Every experience is worthwhile

Never say “no” to something because you don’t think you will like it or that you can’t do it. You won’t know until you try.

10. The real world isn’t so scary

Going into my first internship, I was apprehensive about what would be required of me and if I would be able to handle it. However, I enjoyed all of my time here and am now confident I chose the right career path.

For more information about marketing internships at United Way of Northeast Florida, visit unitedwaynefl.org/careers.