Over the next few days we’ll be posting reflections on our blog from our 2016 summer interns regarding their experience working with us and a few things they learned. Today, we have Claire Bailey, who graduated from Indiana State University this past spring:
One week left. How is that possible? I can’t believe that my time as an intern at Nine13sports is almost over. Time does really fly when you are having fun. This three months have been filled with lots of laughs, high fives, and life lessons. I have grown as a person and as a young professional. At Nine13, I wasn’t a typical intern. I didn’t have to get coffee or do any “typical” intern tasks. I was treated like a member of the team.
Tom and Ashley both allowed me to attend business networking events with them. Chris encouraged me to create unique content for the blog and social media without micromanaging what I was doing. Also, it was awesome to be behind the scenes on several promotional video shoots that Tom did. I have loved seeing how a turnkey nonprofit runs during the day-to-day operations. However, the thing is every day is completely different. Tom, Ashley, and Chris are constantly on their toes. Programming at schools, sponsorship meetings, and community events can all be on the schedule for one single day. Working for a nonprofit is definitely not a typical 9-5 job. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but I know it is the most rewarding job in the world. Inspiring the youth of Indianapolis to live healthier, more active lives has been an amazing way to spend my summer. Celebrating the success of each and every kid crossing the finish line and handing out high fives have become a passions of mine. I hope that every child in the state of Indiana will be able to enjoy the Kids Riding Bikes program in their schools. Tom taught me and the other interns his number one rule for being a successful networker in the business world. He always writes a handwritten thank you note or card to anyone you meet or have a meeting with. Emails, text messages, and social media shoutouts are great, but sending a hand written note costs more. Also, a handwritten note makes you memorable because it is unusual in today’s society. Standing out is important in the business world. I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had at Nine13sports. Who knew bikes could make such a positive impact on a community? I guess Tom Hanley did.