Reflections on my Winter Internship

Hello!

My name is Megan, and I was a winter intern for Smart School Councils during our extended winter break. I’m a student at the University of Notre Dame studying Marketing and the Program of Liberal Studies. How organizations connect with people to make their lives richer and more fulfilling is what I’m passionate about—which is why I believe education is such an important cause. What led me to Smart School Councils was its focus on compassion for the young people who desire for their voices to be heard. As a student who wanted to better understand how non-profits run and operate, I was overjoyed when I heard I would be interning here. 

My work was focused on the marketing aspects of the organization—engagement on social media, the strategies of the accounts, and areas for growth opportunity. Our goal was to take a step back and contemplate the purposes of each account and who our audiences are, along with making a road map for the future. Although I never met the U.K. Team in-person,  I am incredibly grateful for the conversations we had virtually: I truly felt a part of something larger than myself, especially due to the caring nature of every staff member here. 

What meant the most to me, however, during this internship experience was working for an empathetic team who worked for an empathetic purpose. Before this work, I had no conception of how a simple tool could transform lives, week by week, for children across the U.K. The moments children have with one another, even if they are virtual, can be memorable and transformative when we listen to their unheard voices. Home Debate Club and Smart School Councils are encouraging those moments to blossom. And it’s been a phenomenal ride collaborating with people who believe in the magic these children are creating. The future of business is heart-centered work, and I know the radiance of Smart School Council’s heart will always be with me, as I hope it is with you. 

Cheers, 

Megan