Capstone Internship
Cancer Support Community Indiana
Program and Marketing Intern
Cancer Support Community of Indiana is a nonprofit that provides free education and wellness programs, support groups, and other resources for cancer patients, cancer survivors, and loved ones. Their mission is “to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community- so that no one faces cancer alone”. As a Program and Marketing Intern, I assist with the development of new and existing programs, assist with support groups, and create social media posts and a monthly newsletter.
Primary Responsibilities
Assist supervisor with current programs
Assist with weekly support group- Crafting and Conversations
Take attendance of participants and help facilitate the conversation
Create a weekly social media post highlighting upcoming program(s)
Create a monthly newsletter for Professional Advisory Board that highlights upcoming programs and organization updates
Answer phone calls and provide information/resources
Projects
Metastatic Breast Cancer Program
A current project that I am helping develop is a program geared towards self-care for patients and survivors of Metastatic Breast Cancer. This program will include informational presentations and open discussions. I created a program outline, marketing materials, and am working on getting donations by calling community partners.
Personal Development
This experience has allowed me to grow and learn many skills working in nonprofit. To begin, it has given me many technical skills that employees look for such as social media marketing, program development, and written and verbal communication. It has also allowed me to build on my time management skills by being given projects and programs to work on with specific deadlines. I also was able to experience how to interact with my communities in a professional manner through programs and events. One of my weaknesses has been working on my confidence with the materials and work I create. All in all, this internship has made me a stronger professional employee and has given me many skills that I will continue to use and grow.
Academic Connections
There are several courses that have prepared me for working in a professional setting. Being a program and marketing intern, Healthcare Marketing gave me an advantage in how I design my materials. Furthermore, courses such as Professionalism in the Healthcare Workplace and Management of Health Services Organizations gave me tools and skills in how to professionally present myself as an emerging leader/professional.
Learning Objectives
These are the following goals and objectives I set for myself aligned with the Health Services Management core competencies:
H1. Apply theoretical concepts of previous coursework to practical settings.
Utilize my learning of nonprofit settings to get a better understanding of the program side of nonprofit
I have been actively working towards learning more about program development in the nonprofit sector. In my internship, I have created programs and assisted in existing programs.
H2. Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders individually and in group settings using verbal, written, and electronic modes of communication.
Network with donors and other positions regularly via email or linkedin
I have made many connections on LinkedIn since beginning my internship. Many of the connections were through relationships I have made with other interns and employees.
H4. Demonstrate and gain transferable skills in a professional work environment.
Gain more skills in networking, communication (written and verbal), and program development skills
Through primary responsibilities, I have gained a lot of skills in networking, communication, and program development.
H5. Determine professional fit within a health-related organization.
Set up meetings with people in the same and different roles to gain more insight on my fit
I have held several interviews with different roles within my internship. Through these discussions, I have gained more insight on what I am good at and what I want to do.