A Conversation About Learning, Mentorship, and a First Internship

Every Elevate+ internship begins with an opportunity. By the end of the summer, that opportunity has often become something much more: greater confidence, practical skills, meaningful professional relationships, and work that makes a lasting difference. Feedback from our 2026 interns and host mentors confirms just how much was accomplished this summer. Thirty-four students completed our end-of-internship survey, while host organizations submitted 26 evaluations of their interns. Their responses tell a shared story of students rising to new challenges and nonprofit partners gaining talented, committed members of their teams. Students left more prepared for what comes next 94% rated their overall internship experience as excellent or good. 94% said the internship contributed substantially to their professional growth. 94% felt more confident entering the workforce. 91% felt more prepared for future internships or full-time employment. 94% expanded their professional networks. 97% felt welcomed and included at their internship sites. 97% rated their likelihood of recommending Elevate+ to another student an 8 or higher on a 10-point scale. Behind those numbers are students who discovered new strengths, clarified their career goals, and learned how to contribute in professional settings. “I don’t think that I would be half the adult I am today without the help of Elevate+ and Lyman Allyn,” Meggan shared after completing her third summer at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. “I’ve become so much more confident and a way better communicator than I used to be.” Kamryn described the pride she felt in producing work with lasting value: “Developing three major deliverables that will continue to benefit the organization is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it showed me the impact thoughtful work can have.” For Danny, the experience helped bring his future into clearer focus. “I can’t even describe how much this has helped me in figuring out and solidifying what I want to do in the future,” he wrote.  Other interns spoke about becoming more comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, taking initiative, setting boundaries, and trying unfamiliar things. Ritha reflected on one of the summer’s most important lessons: “Now, thanks to my internship, I know how to take initiative, work independently, learn, and be a leader, even when I make mistakes.”

By Elevate+ Board Member Marilú Marcillo

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An Intern's Perspective on Professional and Personal Growth

Walking into a networking event alone is not exactly comfortable. I didn't know anyone, and I wasn't sure I belonged there. But somewhere between the first conversation and the second, that feeling changed. This summer, as the Marketing & Communications Intern at Elevate+ , I've learned that internships are about much more than completing projects. Managing and developing the Intern Spotlight posts, creating social media content, and building a content calendar and other marketing materials, including this blog post, have strengthened my organization, creativity, and communication skills. My biggest takeaway has been that building a personal brand starts before anyone is watching . Outside of Elevate+, one of my professors from Seton Hall introduced me to the opportunity to attend a two-day networking event at Next League. While I was nervous at first, I reminded myself that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone . Connecting with students and professionals across the sports industry showed there isn't one path to success. Alongside Elevate+, I’ve also balanced two other part-time jobs with FC Motown and Momento. Whether it’s working long hours in the summer heat or adjusting to unexpected changes during a live event, I’ve learned that success comes from being adaptable and thinking on the fly. These experiences have shown me that the most valuable growth happens when you’re willing to step up and show up , regardless of the circumstances. Looking back on the first half of the summer, I’ve realized that my biggest growth hasn't come from checking projects off a list. It's come from putting myself in unfamiliar situations, asking questions, and embracing opportunities that once felt intimidating . As I head into the second half of the summer, my goal is to be more intentional about following up with the professionals I meet. I've had the opportunity to connect with many people, but I want those conversations to turn into meaningful, lasting relationships. Showing up is only the first step; following up is what makes a connection memorable .

Newark, NJ native and Emory University graduate returns to Elevate+ after two prior internships and continued leadership with the organization’s Role Model Series

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