Grace McCarty – Event Planning Internship

This semester I had the opportunity to be an Intern at Girls on the Run in Lancaster, PA. Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that focuses on the social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills of girls. This program is in many elementary schools throughout Lancaster. My internship consists of working with the Program Directors, Social Media Manager, and Event Planning Manager. In Elementary I was a girls on the run girl and participated in the program for 8 seasons. Therefore, when I got to High School I wanted to give back and become a Junior Coach. I then realized that my career interests focused on advertising and event planning, so I knew Girls on the Run would be a perfect fit for me. Now I have had the privilege to work on multiple projects and learn many new skills.

When I think about my internship overall, my favorite part is the environment. I go into the office about 2 days a week. Right when I walk into the office the ladies are sitting at the round table and they greet me with a warm welcome and smile. The “round table” is where all our work is completed. We each have a designated spot and complete our own projects. However, it is open for collaboration and always a fun time. Each day for me looks a little bit different. Some days I am working on a social media project, contacting High Schools, going on trips, or setting up an event. However, each day I make sure to check in with my mentor as well as check my emails. I always make sure I am prepped and ready for the day. A typical duty for me is Instagram posts and flyers. I enjoy being creative and seeing projects come together. Therefore, many of the ladies assign me with completing posts for sponsorships, and flyers for the Spring Season, as well as designing new activities. At the moment, I am working on a Junior Coach Campaign with the program directors. Therefore, I am contacting High Schools throughout Lancaster and looking for a way to campaign Girls on the Run to High School Girls! I also have had the opportunity to go on site visits with my mentor. I have gone to a Lancaster City school as well as the Boys and Girls club to discuss Girls on the Run. Overall, my projects focus highly on the world of communications!

Over the past couple of weeks, I have truly been able to learn and grow from this experience. It has been very eye-opening to me, specifically when it comes to my future career goals. Going into this internship I was unsure of what I wanted to pursue in college. However, now after making several connections, working on event planning, social media, and with the public, I truly believe that a career in communications is my path for the future. This internship has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and meet new people. I have been able to learn new skills through the world of social media, team meetings, and management. I have been able to grow in my leadership, organization, and communication skills over the course of this internship.

I am excited to see what the rest of my internship will hold for me. I have been fortunate to be able to grow with this program over the years and now have the opportunity to focus on my future career. Girls on the Run is allowing me to make many connections and learn many new skills that I will hold with me for the rest of my life.