Elizabeth Hagan

Responsibilities

I marketed and publicized the non-profit, as well as, the adoption club. This mainly consisted of making fliers, updating the bulletin boards, creating a website, and using social media updates. I also wrote grants for The National Center for Adoption and researched adoption related issues. I would look up statutory requirements, codes, and general information for issues relating to adoption, such as, maternity leave law and fertility clinic requirements.

Accomplishments

I was able to achieve raising awareness of the organization through creation of a website and social media. I was also able to research issues relating to family law and policy. Completed marketing needs, research, and grant-writing.

Memorable experience

My most memorable experience at the National Center for Adoption is the adoption club meetings. We always had great speakers, and considering it is a first-year club, it was great to see new members who were excited and willing to help. Their help made my job much easier.

What did you not expect?

I was surprised how difficult it was to get volunteers. When I had to coordinate the non-profit fundraiser, I was very stressed and surprised at the number of people who could not show up or forgot. I thought coordinating volunteers would be much easier.

What advice would you give?

I would tell them that there are not very many paid internships out there, but you can still earn a lot of valuable information through an unpaid internship. I would encourage you to find an internship that really matches your interests and passions. Also, be sure to speak up if you want to try something new or have a question.

How did you learn about this experience?

After my volunteering was completed with Dr. Baltimore, she offered me an internship for her non-profit organization.

Why did you want this assignment?

The National Center for Adoption also seemed like a great opportunity because I was able to learn more about issues that I am passionate about and practice my researching skills. Lastly, considering I was taking classes at Iowa State while doing my internship, it was great that both of my internship were on campus and allowed for very flexible schedules.