Kevaughn shares his internship experience at Opportunity House.
Kevaughn shares his internship experience at Opportunity House. He previously was part of the O’Pake Scholar program helping non-profits in Berks County. In the summer of 2024, he accepted an internship with Opportunity House.
Interning at Opportunity House has been an eye-opening journey full of learning, growth, and profound experiences! Working with Holly Wolf and the dedicated team at Opportunity House, I gained invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing a nonprofit organization committed to making a difference in the community.
I started working with Opportunity House through Alvernia’s O’ Pake program, gaining experience leading a project. From there I began working with Holly Wolf to help build Opportunity House’s social media as an intern.
One of the most striking aspects of my internship was witnessing the daily struggles and successes involved in meeting the organization’s goals. One critical project addressed the need for more volunteer participation in the cooking groups. This task required us to craft compelling messages that resonate with a broader audience while staying true to Opportunity House’s core values. This experience taught me how crucial it is to communicate effectively and creatively to engage potential volunteers and supporters.
Core Values Are At The Heart of Opportunity House
Core values are at the heart of Opportunity House, and my time there allowed me to deeply understand and appreciate them. The core values of passion, compassion, going above and beyond, making an impact, being willing to figure things out, and commitment to helping others have changed my outlook and knowledge about the organization. I had the privilege of working with a remarkable team whose dedication and passion were truly inspiring.
They not only supported me but also taught me the intricacies of managing social media posts. This was a valuable lesson in how strategic messaging and consistent engagement can amplify the impact of an organization’s mission.
Internship Experiences In Outside Events
The events hosted by Opportunity House are a testament to their commitment to community-building and fundraising. Events like Wine, Women & Shoes, and the Souper Bowl are more than just fundraising activities; they are vibrant gatherings that bring people together for a common cause. Participating in these events provided a firsthand experience of how such initiatives can foster a sense of community while raising essential funds to support the organization’s programs. The energy, enthusiasm, and genuine connections made at these events were truly uplifting and demonstrated the positive ripple effect Opportunity House has on Reading and beyond.
Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to work on developing and executing marketing plans. From brainstorming creative strategies to implementing them and navigating unexpected roadblocks, I learned the importance of adaptability and foresight in marketing. Each step of this process was a learning experience, helping me understand the nuances of creating effective marketing campaigns that align with organizational goals. Holly Wolf, my mentor, played a pivotal role in my professional development during this internship. Her guidance, patience, and expertise were instrumental in my growth. She provided me with valuable feedback and insights that helped refine my marketing skills and approach. Holly’s mentorship enhanced my understanding of marketing within the nonprofit sector and inspired me to pursue this field with greater confidence.
Internships Give Real World Experience and Connections
In conclusion, my internship at Opportunity House has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has deepened my understanding of nonprofit operations, enhanced my marketing skills, and provided me with meaningful connections and experiences. I wholeheartedly recommend starting here for anyone interested in learning more about marketing within a dedicated and passionate team. The lessons learned, the people met, and the impact made during my time at Opportunity House have been truly transformative and will undoubtedly influence my future endeavors in the field.
Interested in an internship in the marketing department at Opportunity House? Contact Holly Wolf at hwolf@opphouse.org.