Joanna Toso

How did you hear about your internship?

In spring 2015, I helped form a position in the Honors Program which put me in touch with Amy Brackett, a development officer for the College of Arts & Letters in the Office of University Advancement. She contacted the Honors Program Director and asked for my information and if I was available to be her intern the following semester. He, in turn, contacted me.

What has been the most valuable (or favorite) part of the experience?

Being able to be part of something that actually benefits fellow students: raising money for scholarships and student-focused funds by interviewing students and faculty as well as generating fundraising copy. It was also quite interesting to see how different the writing approach was in fundraising when compared with other disciplines.

How will this help you in the future?

This internship has bolstered my confidence in the usefulness of my major in the workplace. So many times family and friends wince when someone announces she has chosen English as her major because “there’s no money in it.” Thanks to this internship, I have seen just how many jobs are available to a person who specializes in writing and can do so clearly, concisely, and well.