News

NNC Intern tells all

Students: You could be next!

By Rachael Finley, NIRSA National Center Intern

In March 2006, when the first NIRSA National Center internship became solidified, I had no idea what I was getting myself into (and I don’t think the NNC did either!). I only knew a couple things for sure: I was moving 2,600 miles from anywhere I had ever called home, I was about to take on an experience available for the first time, and all of it was going to be challenging. I didn’t know a lot of things, but most of all, I didn’t know what I didn’t know! But I was ready to find out, and the NIRSA National Center welcomed me with open arms in the middle of August 2006.

Only seven months into this experience, I have already gained and received more than I ever asked for or expected. To be honest, sometimes it is almost overwhelming! At times I felt like I was thrown into deep water and told, “learn to swim!”

But that was the best part about it: a day wouldn’t go by without there being more than enough to learn. What more could a student, or really anyone, want, especially when the knowledge is so practical and relevant? Learning about or improving on things like time management, written and verbal communication, having balance, the importance of detail, accountability, and a different type of teamwork are just some of the transferable life skills that I’ll take away with me.

Then there are the work-related skills that I’ll leave with, including financial planning, project processes, writing, marketing, event management, programming, having effective meetings and general administration.

And lastly, there is all of the information, some confidential, that I absorbed in the process related to the profession, managing the Association, and general business practices. These things include current recreational sports issues, research, NIRSA history, policies, procedures, institutional practices, recreational sports in higher education, and much more. Throw in travel to NIRSA events, many meetings, good food and laughter, and that’s been the past seven months in a nutshell!

In my opinion, being an NNC Intern is the best experience a future professional in this field could ask for. Assignments are specific to your goals; your network of contacts grows exponentially; your mentors and educators are experts at what they do; it is paid; and it is in beautiful Oregon!

The experience has been more than life-changing, but rather life-growing. I moved to Oregon as an undergraduate senior, and I am leaving (having earned it) not only a Central Michigan alumnus and future James Madison graduate student and assistant, but a more well-rounded person with a greater understanding of where I am headed, where I came from, and what I want. How did I get so lucky? And more importantly…who’s next?

We want to know the exact same thing! Students who are willing to commit to excellence, increase your strengths, and expand your knowledge about professionalism, recreational sports, and this great Association need to consider applying for the position. Professionals who know they have quality students or employees need to encourage them to be the second NIRSA National Center Intern and do something extremely beneficial for their careers. Applications are currently being accepted through bluefishjobs.com until the last day of the NIRSA Annual Conference, April 21. Please feel free to contact me or Mary Callender with questions about anything. This is your chance to learn about, change, and create history, so don’t pass it up!