Indiana INTERNnet celebrated internship excellence on February 8, 2017, at the 11th Annual IMPACT Awards Luncheon. Though the event is over and the winners have been announced, we are continuing to celebrate the nominees’ successes.
These are their stories.
Allison Miller is a graduate of Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and sport management. She completed an internship with WonderLab Museum.
Indiana INTERNnet: How did you become interested in pursuing your degree?
Allison Miller: I actually started out as an elementary education major with a concentration in special education when I first started college. At the time, I knew I wanted to work with children. However, as I got further along in the major, I realized that teaching just really wasn’t for me. So, I started taking outdoor and nonprofit courses, and feel in love with it. I decided to switch to a recreation and sport management degree.
IIN: What were your favorite aspects of interning with the WonderLab Museum?
AM: During my internship, my favorite aspects were interacting with people in my community and my fellow interns. I also enjoyed being a leader during the regular daily shifts. My internship was a great experience, one that I would recommend to other interns. 
IIN: How many internships have you completed?
AM: WonderLab Museum was actually the only internship I’ve ever completed. However, I got so much out of it. During my internship, I spent many days as a floor manager. The main responsibility of this job was to manage the staff and keep the building safe and comfortable for the visitors. As a result, I feel like I became a stronger leader throughout my internship. I also felt that I developed better communication skills and listening skills throughout the span of my internship.
IIN: What are you doing now?
AM: Currently, I work part-time as a teacher’s assistant at the Northwest YMCA. I work with preschool students and truly love what I do. Additionally, I am working to obtain a child development associate certificate (CDA).
IIN: Why are internships important, in your opinion?
AM: I believe internships are important, because it helps people build skills and get an idea of what they want to do after college. Depending on where the internship is completed at, it could open the possibility of someone getting a job in the company upon completion of the internship. I also think it can just be really enjoyable experiences.
Great one! I really liked the way you answered them all. Good Luck!!