Starring the Interns: In the Community

With two weeks left to go for the summer internship program, I’ve found myself reflecting on everything I’ve been able to do this summer. My internship at Starlight has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only have I grown professionally, but I’ve also had the chance to engage with the local community through networking opportunities and volunteering. My intern class had numerous chances to meet other professionals, and we spent time volunteering as a group.  

Part of the internship focuses on professional development through hands-on experience. This growth doesn’t just happen at the venue; it also comes from using Starlight’s network to grow our personal connections.  

As a group, the interns are able to go to networking events hosted by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. We talked to other professionals, learned more about opportunities in the city, and listened to a panel about future Kansas City development plans. These events have been a great way to join the professional world and make connections in the area. My main takeaway from networking is that people want to connect and help any way they can. Striking up a conversation and exchanging contact info now might help me get a job in the future.  

Part of the internship allows interns a chance to choose a nonprofit and spend a day volunteering as a team.  Our group chose to volunteer at Literacy KC for a few hours because their mission was something that we all valued. Literacy KC let us hang out for an afternoon to help prepare for their graduation.  

As we packed goodie bags and steamed graduation gowns, the intern class was able to catch up and have fun together as a complete group. Because of the nature of our summer season, most interns are busy and have different schedules but finding time for all of us to be together made it even more special. 

All 14 of the interns were able to get a tour of the facility, learn about their mission, and help with final touches. My favorite thing about this intern class is how much fun we have wherever we go.  

Not only was volunteering a great learning experience; it was a great way to bond with the other interns in the final few weeks.  

This internship has taught me what a professional position feels like, and it’s sparked a deeper commitment to serving the community. It has encouraged me to seek ways to interact with others in the area and volunteer with local organizations. It’s a message I’ll carry with me long after this internship, no matter where my future career is.  

Our intern class still has two very busy weeks left to go. Starlight’s production of Disney’s Frozen will take the stage in our final week, and it will be a hard goodbye. Stay tuned for another blog about how our interns are celebrating the summer with a lunch planned by our group! planned by our group!