What is quality? This is a question that Ingenuity seeks to answers in terms of arts education. However, this is a question I sought to answer in terms of an internship experience. Being a college student, we are told that an intern experience is a quality one because we need to build our resumes. So often, students spend their summers making copies and getting coffee for the sake of building their resume. But is this truly a quality internship? By the end of the summer, students only know how to use the printer, order coffee, and, if they were lucky, sit in on a couple of meetings to take notes. My definition of a quality internship is one where I can grow professionally by doing meaningful work. Luckily for me, Ingenuity feels the same way.
The advantage of working at a nonprofit organization is being surrounded by people who are passionate about their mission. I can always feel the passion for quality arts education for all CPS students in each team member at Ingenuity from the moment I started working here. When I was tasked with the Partner Starter Institute, I was excited to have a project that was integral to the programming of the Partnerships and Professional Learning team. Being in charge of the Partner Starter gave me the opportunity to exercise my networking, facilitation, and event planning skills. I was given the freedom to design the content of the entire day from the venue, agenda, and even the catering.
Ingenuity puts a lot of faith into their interns. We are treated as equal members of the team. We are invited to staff meetings where our input is encouraged and valued. As a member of the Partnerships and Professional Learning team, I have the opportunity to help run professional development events and attend a meeting to foster arts partnerships. My time at Ingenuity has taught me the importance of partnership and collaboration. No person is an island and we need to work with others if we want to accomplish anything.
Each day was a different adventure working at Ingenuity. This experience allowed me to think about what kind of work environment I should look for when seeking future employment. The work culture at Ingenuity is very inviting. Each staff member seeks feedback from others to ensure that their work is being done efficiently. It is inspiring that each team member models that it is encouraged to work together on projects.
If you asked me what a quality internship is, I would tell you Ingenuity without hesitation. Ingenuity provided me the opportunity to grow professionally by tasking me with the Partner Starter Institute, assisting with professional development events, and fostering arts partnerships. I know that every task I was given at Ingenuity served a purpose that aligns with their mission of ensuring all CPS students have access to arts education. I will miss working with an organization that is passionate about the work they do and take the time to nurture a student’s professional development.
