Falling Into Place: My Spring at Komen
When I was applying for internships, nothing was really clicking. I kept scrolling through listings: “Marketing Intern for this,” “Communications Assistant for that.” None of them felt like something I’d genuinely want to do. I know you can’t always afford to be picky, but I’ve always wanted to do work I’m passionate about.
I’m usually more drawn to media, entertainment, and other commercial clients when I’ve been assigned them in class or imagined where I’d work. A nonprofit, especially one as massive and mission-driven as Susan G. Komen, wasn’t something I had thought about pursuing, honestly. But the moment I saw the listing, I knew I would care about the work, want to contribute, and want to be part of something bigger. So I applied right away. I’m so glad I did.
This internship kind of fell into my lap. I wasn’t sure if I’d land anything for the spring and had already rearranged my schedule around that. But then this opportunity appeared and it has easily been one of the best things to happen this semester.
Since joining the Komen team, I’ve had the chance to support several areas from writing SEO copy for blog posts to helping promote podcast episodes and products. I’ve contributed to strategic brainstorming around upcoming campaigns and really started to understand how nonprofit marketing operates. The work is meaningful. Even the smallest tasks feel like they’re part of something bigger.
What’s made this experience even more valuable is how connected it’s been. We’re not siloed off from the rest of the company. We get the chance to meet other interns across departments, sit in on conversations with team leaders, and learn about different roles firsthand. If there’s a part of the work that interests us, we’re encouraged to explore it.
The people make all the difference. Everyone has been so supportive from leadership to the other interns, but especially within our own team. The environment is genuinely positive and encouraging. It feels like the internal culture actually reflects the messages Komen puts out into the world.
This internship has shown me that even if you don’t know exactly where you’re headed yet, choosing something rooted in purpose is never the wrong move. It’s reminded me that strategy, creativity, and care can work together in ways that really matter.
If you’re looking for an internship, stay open to the things you didn’t originally consider. Sometimes the opportunity you weren’t expecting is the one that brings everything into focus.
