Donor Relations and Data Entry Intern

As a Donor Relations and Data Entry Intern at Make-A-Wish Illinois, your primary responsibilities will include running reports in our CRM to identify wish kids, compiling and crafting emotionally charged stories about wish children, creating recognition pieces for donors, ensuring data accuracy in our CRM, and providing administrative support to the Development team. You'll also have the opportunity to conduct research for events like the Wish Ball.

To qualify for the Donor Relations and Data Entry Intern position at Make-A-Wish Illinois, candidates should ideally be pursuing a degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or business administration. They must also demonstrate a strong attention to detail, have creative writing and editing skills, and be proficient in Microsoft 365 applications. Familiarity with Salesforce CRM is a plus, but not mandatory.

The Donor Relations and Data Entry Internship at Make-A-Wish Illinois is an unpaid opportunity. However, it offers invaluable experience in the nonprofit sector, skill-building workshops, mentorship from senior leaders, and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with critical illnesses.

The Donor Relations and Data Entry Intern at Make-A-Wish Illinois is required to commit to 10-15 hours per week during the internship period from early June to early August. The internship includes at least one in-office working day, and you must attend a mandatory orientation on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025.

Interns will develop a diverse set of skills while working as Donor Relations and Data Entry Interns at Make-A-Wish Illinois. These include creative writing and editing, data management, teamwork in a collaborative environment, and familiarity with CRM systems. Additionally, interns will have the chance to participate in workshops that elevate their professional skills, enhancing their career prospects.

In preparing for this question, it's essential to highlight your time management skills, the techniques you use to prioritize tasks, and your experience working under pressure. You might say, 'I plan to create a detailed schedule outlining deadlines and set reminders to keep track of my tasks. Communicating with my team and asking for help when needed will also be key to managing multiple responsibilities effectively.'

When answering this question, provide specific examples from your academic or work history where your attention to detail positively impacted an outcome. For instance, you can say, 'During my last project, I meticulously checked all data entries for accuracy, which helped prevent errors that could have misled our findings and ensured the final report was reliable.'

Your answer should reflect your passion for the cause, as well as any personal connection you might have to the mission. For example, you might say, 'I have always been inspired by the incredible impact that Make-A-Wish has on children facing serious health challenges. I am eager to contribute my skills to a cause that brings joy and hope to many families.'

To effectively answer this question, outline your creative process for storytelling. You might explain, 'I would begin by gathering all relevant information and personal anecdotes from wish families, then, focusing on the emotional aspects, I’d weave these elements together to craft a narrative that highlights the child’s journey and the transformative power of their wish.'

Discuss any experience with Microsoft 365 applications and CRM software like Salesforce. You could say, 'I am proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, and I have used basic CRM systems during a previous internship. I'm eager to learn more about Salesforce and enhance my data management skills during this internship.'

Speak to your collaboration skills and how you view teamwork as integral to success. For instance, you might answer, 'I believe open communication and active listening are vital in a team setting. I enjoy sharing ideas, supporting my colleagues, and celebrating our collective achievements to foster a positive and productive environment.'

Your response should reflect your understanding of the importance of donor relations in sustaining a nonprofit's mission. For example, you might say, 'Donor relations are crucial because they build strong, lasting connections that nurture trust and encourage ongoing support, ultimately enabling the organization to fulfill its mission effectively.'

Provide a specific scenario that showcases your ability to adapt to hectic situations. You could say, 'In my last role during an event planning project, I prioritized urgent tasks, delegated when necessary, and used checklists to ensure everything ran smoothly while maintaining a high level of quality.'

Your answer should touch on intrinsic motivations, such as personal growth or passion for the mission. You might say, 'The chance to contribute to meaningful work that has a direct impact on children’s lives is incredibly motivating for me. I thrive when learning new skills and growing as a professional, especially in a mission-driven organization like Make-A-Wish.'

Discuss strategies you will use to ensure data integrity and accuracy, such as double-checking entries or utilizing software features. You could say, 'I would adopt a methodical approach, take my time to enter data carefully, and regularly review my work to catch any potential errors before finalizing anything.'