Macey Grant Graphic Design Internship with Marcfirst
![Macey in front of the Marcfirst sign](/career-center/images/macey-grant.jpg)
Name: Macey Grant
Class: 2020
Major: Graphic Design
Hometown: Onarga, Illinois
Interning with: Marcfirst
Location: Normal, Illinois
Position: Graphic Design Intern
- What are your everyday responsibilities as an intern?
I work Tuesdays and Thursdays at Marcfirst and am kept very busy. My responsibilities include designing promotional materials such as tickets, programs and signage to be used as advertising and at Marcfirst fundraising events. I create material to post on various social media platforms and keep the community involved. Even though my job description does not include working with the people that Marcfirst supports, I get my fair share of excitement throughout the day which I find very fun.
- How did you land this internship?
I interviewed once before with Marcfirst but was too busy at the time to accept the internship. I believe going back for a second interview really showed how serious I was about working with them. I also have to thank the Career Center for helping me develop my resume and interviewing skills.
- What drew you to this internship?
I have always been interested in helping others, which is exactly what Marcfirst does. Marcfirst is a nonprofit organization that supports disabled individuals through all stages of life.
- How did IWU prepare you for succeeding as an intern?
I feel that my design classes have prepared me extremely well for working in a professional, fast paced work environment while being productive and creative.
- What do you hope to gain from this internship experience as you look forward to being a student/professional?
I have already learned so much from this internship and hope to improve my people skills, develop more compassion and obviously build my portfolio through the various projects I have throughout the summer.
- What's been a particularly rewarding experience as an intern?
Every morning the individuals Marcfirst supports walk past my desk and almost each and every one of them stop to talk to me or show me their new outfit or object. They are always so proud of the work that they do. Today one man who works at Marcfirst made it a point to show me his waste basket full of paper shreds that he shredded all by himself.
- In your opinion, why is it important for students to experience internships?
Classroom learning is very important to gain the basic knowledge necessary to go into your field but an internship shows you which job is or is not right for you. They allow students to try out a job before committing to it. This is my third internship and I now know two types of jobs I am interested in pursuing and one that I am not interested in anymore.