Marketing and Communications Intern

As a Marketing and Communications Intern at Make-A-Wish Illinois, your key responsibilities will include writing and researching content, conducting phone and video interviews, supporting media relations, and updating contact lists. You will also analyze marketing activities and assist with digital asset management, all while collaborating closely with the team to contribute to our mission of granting life-changing wishes.

To apply for the Marketing and Communications Intern position at Make-A-Wish Illinois, candidates should be actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field. You should have strong communication skills—both oral and written—and be proficient in Office 365. It's also beneficial to have experience with basic photography, video editing, or graphic design, along with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team.

The time commitment for the Marketing and Communications Internship at Make-A-Wish Illinois is typically 10-15 hours per week during the 10-week program, which runs from early June through early August. Interns are required to attend an in-office orientation and commit to at least one in-office workday each week, located in our downtown Chicago office.

As a Marketing and Communications Intern at Make-A-Wish Illinois, you can expect a hybrid work environment that combines both in-office and remote work. This allows you to gain hands-on experience while also benefiting from flexible working conditions. Your role will involve collaboration with the dynamic nonprofit staff, contributing to impactful projects aimed at fulfilling our mission for children with critical illnesses.

The Marketing and Communications Internship at Make-A-Wish Illinois offers a unique opportunity to get an insider view of how a leading nonprofit operates. Interns have the chance to engage with senior leaders, participate in skill-building workshops, and collaborate with other interns across different departments. Moreover, you will contribute to creating lasting memories for children with critical illnesses, making this internship particularly rewarding.

When answering this question, focus on any relevant writing experience you've had, including coursework, internships, or personal projects. Highlight specific examples where you created compelling stories or managed content for different platforms. Emphasize your understanding of audience engagement and storytelling and relate it to the mission of Make-A-Wish Illinois.

Interviewers want to know how you handle responsibility and time management. Describe your method for prioritizing tasks, such as using lists, deadlines, or project management tools. Give examples of past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple responsibilities and met deadlines, all while maintaining quality work.

Prepare for this question by researching Make-A-Wish Illinois before your interview. Talk about your understanding of the organization's mission, the importance of wishes in the lives of children with critical illnesses, and how the marketing and communications efforts support this overarching goal. Showing genuine knowledge about the organization will highlight your interest and dedication.

Choose a specific example to illustrate your teamwork experience. Discuss the project, your role, how you collaborated with others, and ultimately, how it led to a successful outcome. Highlight skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability which are crucial in a team setting.

Discuss any experience you have with digital marketing tools or social media platforms. Mention specific platforms, tools for analytics, content creation, or any courses you've taken that enhance your knowledge in this area. Providing examples of how you've used these in the past demonstrates your readiness for the intern role.

When answering this question, provide a concrete example of a situation that required you to work efficiently under pressure. Explain your approach to managing time, resources, and any strategies you used to successfully complete the task on time, highlighting your ability to stay organized and focused.

Discuss skills such as effective communication, creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, adaptability, and understanding of digital media. Explain why these skills are particularly important for the Marketing and Communications intern role, emphasizing how they contribute to the overall mission of the organization.

Detail your approach to storytelling, including researching topics, conducting interviews, and gathering information from relevant sources. Talk about how you would combine interviews with your research to create a compelling narrative that resonates with the values and mission of Make-A-Wish Illinois.

Reflect on your personal motivations and passion for making a difference. Explain how your values align with those of Make-A-Wish Illinois and how working in this environment excites you. Sharing any relevant experiences that inspired this desire will make your answer more impactful.

Articulate your career aspirations and explain how the Marketing and Communications Intern position at Make-A-Wish Illinois serves as a stepping stone toward those goals. Discuss how the skills and experience gained during this internship will help you grow professionally and advance your career in marketing and communications.