Internship Stories

Lyndsey Berry Make-a-Wish
I interned at Make-A-Wish Alabama this semester as the Mission Delivery Intern. I worked in a very special role as I was placed in a position working under their Wish Coordinator. At Make-A-Wish chapters the role of Wish Coordinator grants the one true wish of an approved wish child. They are involved in every part of the planning process from beginning to end and I gratefully assist them with this. This internship has meant a lot to me as I hope to become a wish coordinator following graduation in December. Through this internship I will have key experience for my resume and very valuable involvement working with the role I desire. I also worked as a Wish Team Intern at Make-A-Wish Georgia in the summer of 2022 in the same role which confirmed my passion for the organization and wish kids.

Both of my internship experiences have been irreplaceable as I learned from those I admire in a desired role, witnessed incredible team culture, and navigated professional life. As the Mission Delivery Intern, I work in a remote role where I attend monthly in person staff meetings in Birmingham. Make-A-Wish Alabama is currently in the process of finding a new Wish Coordinator, so I have taken on more and new responsibilities. During my internship I have been given the amazing opportunity to act as a Wish Coordinator and grant two wishes on my own with the assistance of my supervisor. There is not anything that could be more beneficial for me than actually working in, or very closely, with the role like I have the ability to do during my time at the chapter. The work I do every day can be hard and draining, and life in nonprofit is always busy, but it is everything to me to instill joy in children facing hardship. I know that my internship experiences have been extremely valuable and will certainly set me apart when searching for a permanent position in the future. Overall, I could not be more grateful for the Department of Education to instill confidence and guidance in me during the interview process and Make-A-Wish Alabama for the genuineness and approachableness to enable me to grow and succeed to my best ability.