Mary Cariola Center Internships Provide Experience And So Much More!

This month’s Guest Blogger is Alexis Ross. She recently completed a four month internship at Mary Cariola Center. Alexis will graduate from the State University of New York at Brockport this May with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.

The first two words that come to mind that describe my experience at Mary Cariola Center are life-changing and real.  Though that sounds dramatic, I can say this internship challenged me, opened my mind to new perspectives, taught me life lessons, and gave me a real sense of what it was like working for a nonprofit.  I did not know it at first, but I realized this place and the people in it are special.  What happens at Mary Cariola on a day-to-day basis and what they do for those in need is incredible.

I completed a semester long internship at Mary Cariola Center as their Marketing and Communications intern.  I went into the semester with little to no knowledge of Mary Cariola, the marketing industry, or anything about nonprofits.  I was expecting to learn some more about marketing and how to communicate a message to the public about the agency.  What this internship program provided me was exceedingly more than I had originally expected.  I worked on copy for media alerts, was exposed to media relations and buying, completed research and presented to the leadership team, and helped coordinate two fundraising events.  I had the opportunity to be involved with their brand evolution which encompassed a new name and new logo.  I also managed their social media accounts for recruitment.  I visited the iHeart Media studio and WROC News 8 studio in Rochester and sat in on interviews with our staff.  I attended two Rochester Press-Radio Club Luncheons (one at the Seneca Park Zoo!) and walked through a floor of a printing company.  In addition, I had exposure to crisis communications and how it relates to Public Relations and Marketing.  Though these are only a few of the countless experiences I had, all of them were different and each week had me on my toes.   

All of it would not be possible without the guidance and support of the Mary Cariola staff.  I had contact with every facet of the Agency including the Leadership team, Human Resources, Agency Advancement, Marketing, Community Services, Residences, and the Educational  Program.  I met amazing people who work in each of these different parts of the Agency and they all had one goal--To empower and inspire children, youth, and young adults with complex disabilities and their families.  Not only were they dedicated to the individuals they serve, but developing their staff and interns.  The Marketing team took time out to teach me about the Agency but also about how to build connections and relationships through trust, respect, and face to face communication.  Their advice and commitment to their interns is what I value the most about Mary Cariola’s internship program.

I would highly recommend this internship program to college students who want a real-life experience working with amazing people dedicated to an amazing mission.  There are not only opportunities in Marketing but in other departments like Music Therapy.  Their internship program is growing and providing college students with the necessary skills and experiences to be ready for the workforce after graduation.  This internship is one I will value for my lifetime.