Entry by Courtney Sampson, Marketing and Communications Intern, Indiana State Fair
Between researching and writing press releases, blogging about Indy Premier Cage Fighting, engaging with the community via social media, attending various meetings, and learning about mission and vision statements, I built a house. Yep, you heard me – a real-life, five-bedroom, two-bathroom home.
OK, for all you skeptics out there, I didn’t exactly build the house with my own two hands, but I did work up a sweat by hammering some nails, dragging a few 2 x 4’s, and helping to carry the “walls.” Last week, Indiana State Fairgrounds commission, board, and staff members, along with hundreds of volunteers from sponsor companies, helped construct a Habitat for Humanity Ag House.
Several Indiana agriculture businesses and organizations have stepped up in a BIG way to make Tamika Allen’s dream of home ownership a reality, showcasing the impact of Indiana’s agriculture, a $25 billion industry, in the process.
Volunteers, including myself, constructed the panels to the home, but one unique aspect to this year’s Great Indiana State Fair is that full construction will take place on the north side of the Fairgrounds. Normally, a Habitat home is built in six weeks, but Allen’s home will be completed in 15 days and then transported to its permanent site in Central Indianapolis. When you attend the State Fair (Aug. 6 – 22), definitely stop by for a tour of the house!
For all the interns out there – and the employers and mentors, too, I’m taking these next few paragraphs to reiterate what may seem like an obvious piece of advice. Know your organization!
Last week, when I had the opportunity to attend the all-staff meeting and luncheon, I learned a few things about the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Our mission is simple: “To preserve and enhance the Fairgrounds and the annual State Fair for the benefit of all citizens of Indiana.” When I heard our mission statement read aloud, I thought about how my internship duties with the State Fair coincide with the purpose of Indiana INTERNnet, which says, “Our goal is to fight the brain drain in Indiana by fostering the growth of quality, hands-on educational experiences and creating ties between students and the state.”
When we all work together, operating under the same mission and striving for the same vision, we produce better results. I am one of many interns here at the State Fair, but I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we feel very fortunate to be included in meetings and events – it makes us feel like part of the team. Employers should never underestimate the value of having an intern sit-in on meetings. A fresh set of eyes and ears can be a good thing! Even if the interns don’t contribute to the meeting, we can learn by watching and listening.
There is a ton of fun events, exhibits, competitions, entertainment coming to this year’s Indiana State Fair. I look forward to sharing more with you as the summer progresses! In the meantime, stay up-to-date on State Fair news by following us on Twitter @IndyStateFair, “Liking” us on Facebook, and checking out our Blue Ribbon Blog.
