Penn State’s Office of University Development is offering full-time paid internships this summer to students or recent graduates interested in learning more about a career in fundraising and nonprofit work. This uniquely structured experience provides selected individuals with the opportunity to be immersed in a development office at Penn State’s University Park campus.
It enables students to both learn about the fundraising profession and gain firsthand experience assisting the operations of a development office. By coupling hands-on work with traditional classroom learning, the internship is designed to prepare students with both the knowledge and the skills to embark on a career in higher education development or nonprofit work.
This experience is the result of a three-pronged program combining real world experience, Friday educational sessions, and professional development.
Real world experience
Participants will spend thirty-two hours per week in a development office working on meaningful projects that introduce them to new skills and career opportunities. These challenges could include anything from meeting with donors to coordinating a recognition event to assisting with the development of a major gift proposal. Along the way, interns will get valuable feedback and mentoring from experienced professionals.
Friday educational sessions
Participants will spend eight hours per week (on Fridays) in a classroom-type environment learning about the role of philanthropy within institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations. In addition to reading relevant materials, contributing to classroom discussion, and completing assignments, interns will have the opportunity to listen to guest speakers and partake in relevant, organized tours. Some of these tours and presentations involve University donors who give firsthand accounts of their gifts and their motivations for giving. Interns will also keep a reflective journal detailing their own philanthropic interests and motivations.
Professional development
The internship includes a variety of events designed to expose students to industry professionals and develop appropriate conduct in such situations.
Programming includes:
- an etiquette workshop;
- a networking and résumé writing workshop;
- a two-day fundraising course;
- social and educational events with donors;
- field trips.
Qualifications for the 2013 Summer Internship Program
Applicants must possess excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills, and can either be current Penn State students (undergraduate or graduate) or recent graduates. Interns must be able to commit to 40 hours per week for the 11 week duration of the program, which runs from May 13 until July 26, 2013.
How to Apply
The application process for 2013 summer internships is now open and applications will be accepted until December 31, 2012. Click here to apply.
Questions?
Please contact Lyn Culver (lkc3@psu.edu) or Tammy Houser (tjb17@psu.edu) with any questions.
More information
View our summer intern videos!
Visit the Penn State Development Summer Internship Program blog.