Internships - Quad Cities Campus - Western Illinois University

Quad Cities Campus

Internship Partnerships in the Quad Cities Area

An internship can be an excellent way for students in the arts and sciences to develop additional skills, gain work experience in new contexts, and apply classroom lessons within a professional environment. For a growing number of students, our internship partnerships with various Quad Cities area organizations are providing fascinating learning opportunities, very attractive résumé material, and windows to careers that might have otherwise remained distant. There are many worthwhile articles about the value of internships, but here is one example from The Chronicle of Higher Education .

Many students have sought and negotiated internships with organizations that fit their own particular interests and needs. This can be an important part of the learning process that internships provide, as it helps the student learn what it means to market oneself and to market an idea. We provide a list below of some of the organizations that have indicated a desire to work with students who wish to create an internship opportunity with them. Please note especially that various academic programs at WIU have their own requirements and application forms for students seeking academic credit from internships.

QC area organizations that have expressed an interest in bringing in WIU students as interns.

On the other hand, many organizations here in the Quad Cities area have specific needs and are advertising for interns looking for the types of experiences they offer. The internships below are open to applicants from both WIU-QC and WIU-Macomb. Please contact your advisor, Audrey Adamson (anw-adamson@wiu.edu), and/or Dr. Jim Rabchuk (ja-rabchuk@wiu.edu) with additional questions.

One last thought: it is critical that an internship be a three-way partnership between a student, the host institution, and the university. If a student has any doubt about the fairness or appropriateness of work expectations or conditions in a given internship, it is important that they initiate a discussion with their university mentor as soon as possible. Federal regulations for internships applicable under The Fair Labor Standards Act are available here at the U.S. Department of Labor website.

Organizations with established internship programs ready to take applications for specific positions

Bethany for Children and Families

Application deadline: rolling (will discuss possibilities with individual students)
Key activities: assistance with grant writing
Location: Moline, Davenport
Hours: flexible
Required skills/qualifications: professional/technical writing skills, interest in learning about and enabling social services

Interested students should contact:

Jenny Hager, Vice President of Marketing and Development
Bethany for Children and Families
1830 6^th Ave.
Moline, IL 61265
jhager@bethany-qc.org

Council of the Quad Cities: Sexual Abuse Prevention Curriculum Facilitator

Application deadline: rolling
Key activities: “Talking about Touching” presentations in elementary school classrooms (about appropriate and inappropriate physical interaction)
Location: Rock Island mainly, but also other QC areas
Hours: flexible, but 4-15 hrs/wk most common
Required skills/qualifications: openness to working with children (federal background check required), mobility (driving between schools)
Please consult additional internship description (.docx) page (with application instructions)

Congressional Office of Cheri Bustos (U.S. House of Representatives)

Application deadline: rolling
Key activities: writing letters to constituents; reading local and national newspapers and other media; answering telephone calls; specific project assignments; occasional meetings with Congresswoman Bustos
Location: Rock Island office and QC area
Hours: very flexible, but 10 hours/week minimum
Required skills/qualifications: strong writing skills, customer (constituent) service abilities, professionalism
Resumé, cover letter, and interview required of all applicants
Please see NEW internship description.

Please send to:

Ellie Labotte, Constituent Advocate
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17)
2401 4th Ave.
Rock Island, IL 61201
ellie.labotte@mail.house.gov

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois: Marketing and Development

Application deadline: rolling
Key activities: Social media and traditional marketing, photography at events and camp, grant research and grant writing
Location: Waterloo, IA
Hours: 20 hrs/wk - flexible schedule
Preferred Majors: English, Journalism, Communication, and Marketing
Required skills/qualification: Punctual, positive attitude, self-motivated
Please consult additional internship description (docx) page (with application instructions)

Contact Information:

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
Bonnie Franksain, HR Assistant
510 Mulberry
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 232-6601 x516

Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center

Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center is a nonprofit located in Dixon, Illinois. Established in 2003, our mission is to serve cancer patients, their families and caregivers with programs and services that focus on support, wellness and education. All our services are free. Home of Hope has two internships opportunities.

Media Market Intern

The intern will assist the Executive Director in updating and designing all aspects of Home of Hope's marketing imprint. This position is flexible and offers a broad range in experience opportunities.

The ideal candidate is highly motivated and energetic with a passion in helping people. Applicant should possess the following attributes:

Excellent professional written and verbal skills
Creative
Detail Oriented
Flexible
Challenge Seeker
Familiarity with office procedures (ie. budgets, programs, computer technology)
Accustomed to public speaking presentations
Knowledge of event planning, marketing, social media

Duties

Observe working aspects of NPO success utilizing limited resources
Gain experience creating a long-term fund development plan and marketing calendar
Plan and collaborate funding event with Home of Hope staff and volunteers
Develop/create marketing materials for Home of Hope programs and services
Craft fresh, compelling content to share with donors
Much more - the intern will work closely with our Executive Director and other team leaders in a range of situations

Program Specialist Intern

The Program Specialist intern is responsible for creating and delivering events, services, and activities designed to serve the needs of the clients of Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center. This position involves developing and delivering current and new events/programs incorporating needs-based initiatives. The Specialist executes and evaluates activities, making adjustments when necessary.

He/She will work across departments to build and maintain a favorable brand/public image for Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center by planning, implementing, communicating, and promoting the organization’s programs, services, and engagement activities in the surrounding community.

Events and services include: monthly programs, health and well-being, discussions, activities relevant to the mission of Home of Hope.

Applicant should possess the following attributes:

Emphasis on excellent written and oral communication skills with emphasis on creating and writing collateral material – strategic plans, promotion plans, social media interactions, post program reporting, etc
Demonstrated proficiency in various computer software programs including Microsoft Office
High level of creativity and program planning skills
Highly organized, accountable, flexible, and self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks
Must have valid driver’s license and clear driving record
Polished and professional
Self-starter with attention to detail
Ability to interact with various groups including board of directors and volunteers
Must possess good judgment and be able to work independently, while keeping supervisor informed
Must be high energy, possess can-do spirit, and be customer service oriented
Diplomacy and discretion to sensitive and confidential issues
Must be solid team player with optimistic attitude and positive influence on organizational culture

Duties

Plan, schedule and organize psycho-social oncology programs including communication, promotion, budgeting, volunteer coordination and post event requirements
Prepare and present to Executive Director a quarterly calendar of programs and events
Effectively communicate programs/events and services through social media, e-blast systems such as EventBrite and Constant Contact and other software tools
Measure program for effectiveness in meeting Home of Hope’s mission
Maintain positive working relationships with personnel and other partner organizations to maximize resources and visibility of the organization. This includes attendance at regular meetings and events as identified by ED
Responsible for and assisting with ordering programming supplies/needs
Design publications that promote programs and services to clients and community (ex: event flyers, social media postings, corporate/community partner correspondence, event briefs)
Gather testimonial feedback, photos, media clips, and other items that tell the story of programs and services to be used for reporting to Board of Directors
Make regular updates to the organization website with current program information
Utilize a dedicated volunteer corps to support programs, events and other unique opportunities organization-wide
Work closely with staff to plan, promote, carry out, and maximize program goals
Other duties as assigned

Candidates interested in either internship may contact:

Joan Padilla, Executive Director
(815) 288-4673
jpadilla@hohrrv.com

Illinois Legislative Staff Internship (paid post-bachelor’s degree 1-year position)

Application deadline: March 1
Key activities: provide research support, analyze budgets, write and edit newsletters
Location: Springfield
Hours: full-time between August 16, 2014 and June 30, 2015, but with time for graduate studies (and 9 credits included)
Required skills/qualifications: must graduate with Bachelor’s degree by Aug. 16, 2014; minimum 3.0 gpa
For more info and application materials, see http://ilsip.uis.edu

Mercado on Fifth

Description:

The intern will work with a volunteer committee and professional staff to help with all the logistical aspects of planning the Mercado on Fifth events.

Scope of Duties:

Work with volunteer committee to plan and execute event logistics including set-up and take-down, etc.
Work with volunteer committee to develop each Friday's event theme and implement elements that fit that theme (i.e. entertainment, craft tables and special vendors)
Seek out vendors for the Mercado
Market the events to the broader public through social and traditional media by assisting with flyers, press releases, and Facebook posts
Work with volunteer committee to contact local businesses to seek their sponsorship
Contact community leaders to seek their sponsorship of the event
Work with the volunteer committee to manage the event budget including calculating proceeds
Work with the media for event exposure prior to, during and after the event
Create a detailed event plan with job assignments and timelines for subsequent interns
Write a post-event report including lessons learned, ideas for the next year, and any additional follow-up required

Qulaifications:

None

Location:

Moline, Illinois

Desired Majors(s):

Liberal Arts and Sciences
Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration
Broadcasting
Marketing
Management
Journalism
Communication

Salary Level:

$10 - $12.50 per hour with $2,500 maximum reimbursement

Duration:

Flexible

Approximate Hours per Week

3 - 10

Contact Information:

Maria Ontiveros
941-343-7579
Mercado on Fifth

Moline Public Library

Application deadline: rolling (will discuss possibilities with individual students)
Key activities: development of public engagement programs; children & youth sections have particular needs
Location: Moline
Hours: flexible
Required skills/qualifications: full internships in adult and young adult services are usually limited to students currently pursuing or soon beginning a Master’s of Library Science program; that degree plan is less important for student interns in children’s section

Students with interests in library internships or related opportunities in librarianship should contact:

Lisa Powell Williams, Adult Services Coordinator
Moline Public Library
3210 41^st St.
Moline, IL 61265
lwilliams@molinelibrary.org.

Putnam Museum

Grant-writing Intern

Application deadline: rolling
Key activities: writing, editing, marketing, institutional representation at professional events
Location: Davenport
Hours: flexible, but minimum 4 hours/week
Required skills/qualifications: knowledge of Microsoft Office software, exceptionally strong written communication skills, individual initiative
Applications consist of cover letter and résumé addressed to:

Betsy Matt Turner, Special Assistant to the President for Mission Advancement
Putnam Museum
1717 W. 12^th St.
Davenport, IA 52804
turner@putnam.org

Education Intern

Application deadline: rolling
Key activities: This is a professional position supporting interpretation and presentations for the museum visitor and program support for the education department. The Education Intern will use informal education techniques to assist in delivering interpretations and demonstrations that engage and excite visitors of a variety of ages in multiple settings. Utilizing research capabilities, public speaking and presentation skills as well as knowledge of exhibitions, history and STEM concepts, the Intern will support programming throughout the museum. The Education Intern is flexible, enjoys variety, and will assist with other duties involved in reaching Strategic Goals set for the museum’s Education department.
Location: Davenport
Hours: flexible
Required skills/qualifications: see activities.
Applications consist of a cover letter and résumé addressed to:

Nichole Myles, Vice President of Education
Putnam Museum
1717 W. 12th St.
Davenport, IA 52804
myles@putnam.org

Rock Island Argus-Dispatch Internships

Applications will be given consideration as soon as they are received. Application deadline: February 15. Internships will be awarded soon after. Internships run for a period of approximately three months, but we are flexible as to starting and ending dates. If you plan to take a vacation or to travel, we ask that you do it at the beginning or end of the internship.
Positions available:
- Reporter working the Metro Desk
- Copy Editor/Page Designer on the Copy Desk
- Photographer/Multi Media
Interns are expected to function as regular staff members, although they may need more guidance and direction than regular staff. This is not an internship where students should expect to shadow someone else; they are expected to make daily independent contributions.
Location: main office of The Dispatch and the Rock Island Argus in downtown Moline
Hours: generally 9 to 5, but some nights and weekends
The internships pay $336 per week
Required skills/qualifications: excellent writing, editing, and/or graphic design skills; past reporting experience is very helpful (most applicants have at least some)
Résumé, references, work samples and a cover letter explaining what you hope to gain from an internship at our papers. We will attempt to place you in the slot for which we believe you are best qualified based on your experience and work samples.

Send applications to:

Roger Ruthhart, Managing Editor
Moline Dispatch Publishing Co. L.L.C.
1720 Fifth Ave.
Moline, IL 61265
rruthhart@qconline.com

Unity House of Davenport

Application deadline: rolling
Key activities: Dealing with admits and departures, website maintenance and improvement, edit monthly newsletters, handle other social media
Location: Main office in Bettendorf. Seven houses in central Davenport
Hours: Flexible, but up to full-time
Payment: Negotiable
Must be responsible, discreet, detail-oriented, savvy with social media, able to interact with others in a positive and encouraging manner
Please consult additional internship description (docx) page (with application instructions)

Send information to:

Dennis Haut, CEO
Unity House of Davenport
2625 Crestview Dr.
Bettendorf, IA 52722
www.unityhouseofdavenport.org

WQPT

Development and Marketing Intern

This internship is unpaid but class credit is available pending school approval. A background check may be required.

Application deadline: rolling
Key activities:
- Interviewing
- Writing
- Marketing
- Fundraising
- Project management
Location: WQPT office in Moline, IL
Hours: flexible, but minimum 4 hours/week
Qualifications:
- Strong attention to detail and ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and projects
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
- Excellent oral, verbal and written communications skills
- Must adhere to professional dress codes at events and in the workplace
- Interested in working with children
Preferred Qualifications
- Video camera operation
- Video editing
- Web design
Please consult additional internship description and application pages
Cover letter, résumé, and application page (Intern Information Sheet) should be addressed to:

Development and Marketing Intern Program
WQPT Quad Cities PBS
3561 60th St.
Moline, IL 61265

Accounting Internship

This internship is unpaid but class credit is available pending school approval. A background check may be required.

Application deadline: rolling
Location: WQPT office in Moline, IL
Hours: Flexible, but minimum 4 hours/week
Key activities:
- Record revenue and expenses
- Assist with monthly reconciliation
- Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports
Qualifications:
- Strong attention to detail and ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and projects
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
- Excellent oral, verbal and written communication skills
- Must adhere to professional dress codes at events and in the workplace
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Accounting software
Please consult additional internship description and application pages
Cover letter, résumé, and application page (Intern Information Sheet) should be addressed to:

Accounting Intern Program
WQPT Quad Cities PBS
3561 60th St.
Moline, IL 61265

Education Outreach Internship

This internship is unpaid but class credit is available pending school approval. A background check will be required.

Application deadline: rolling
Location: WQPT office in Moline, IL
Hours: Flexible, but minimum 4 hours/week
Key Activities:
- Assist and coordinate events
- Develop educational programs
- Assist with the creation of promotional flyers
Qualifications:
- Strong attention to detail and ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and projects
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Must be able to act professionally at events and in the workplace
- Interested in working with children

Please consult additional internship description and application pages
Cover letter, résumé, and application page (Intern Information Sheet) should be addressed to:

Education Outreach Intern Program
WQPT Quad Cities PBS
3561 60th St.
Moline, IL 61265

Special Projects Internship

This internship is unpaid but class credit is available pending school approval. A background check will be required.

Application deadline: rolling
Location: WQPT office in Moline, IL
Hours: 20-40 hours per week
Key Activities:
- Assist with the coordination of various special events
- Take a lead role in the WQPT PBS Ambassador Program
- Develop educational programs
- Assist with the creation of promotional flyers
- Research new special event fundraising opportunities
Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail and ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and projects
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher)
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Must be able to act professionally at events and in the workplace
- Interested in working with children

Please consult additional internship description and application pages
Cover letter, résumé, and application page (Intern Information Sheet) should be addressed to:

Special Projects Intern Program
WQPT Quad Cities PBS
3561 60th St.
Moline, IL 61265