Making a Difference Through Marketing
Danielle Bellino
Social Media Manager, Twin Jewelers
Class of 2024
BBA in Digital Marketing
Internship: Marketing/Public Relations Intern, Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley
Pronouns: She/Her
When Danielle Bellino landed her internship with the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley, she knew she'd be getting hands-on experience in a welcoming environment. What she didn't expect was how much her work would impact dozens of local families in need. She'll now head into her next semester at the Lubin School of Business, not only with real-world experience, but with a greater understanding of how marketing can make a major impact.
How has the Lubin School of Business helped you prepare for your current internship?
Amazing Lubin professors, such as Professor Jim Davis, have helped me prepare for this internship. My professors are always available to help in preparation for interviews, give detailed feedback on resumes, and aid in preparing students for real-life situations in the business world.
What attracted you to this internship?
I was attracted to this internship because I had heard how welcoming the work environment is from previous interns, and how much experience I would gain from working under the supervisors at the Ronald McDonald House. It is a very hands-on internship where I'm free to implement my own ideas into the work I'm doing.
Describe what a typical day looks like as an intern at the Ronald McDonald House.
This is a hybrid internship, so I work from home, as well as in the Ronald McDonald House, where families of sick children are living. Typically, I start my day by going over what I completed during the previous week with my supervisor. Then, we work together to come up with the tasks I will complete during the upcoming week. Being that the Ronald McDonald House is a non-profit organization, most of my work is aimed at encouraging donations through social media posts on multiple platforms. I do this by filming and shooting content at the House with families who live there and with other people and organizations that donate supplies or money to the House. We also have a program in which people come and cook meals for the families, so I shoot content for that as well. Another major responsibility is aiding in planning upcoming events. I curate lists of possible donors, local businesses who may be interested in donating to events or promoting them with flyers, and potential vendors for activities at the events themselves. It has been my duty to reach out to them, and I have found that many are willing to help.
What has been the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your internship so far?
The most enjoyable aspect is that my work is directly helping the families that live at the Ronald McDonald House. They are facing such a traumatizing moment in their lives—their child being extremely ill—that most parents could not even fathom. It is amazing to talk to them and gain insight into their experiences and how living in the house makes the experience more comfortable. The sense of community that has been formed between the families is heartwarming to see.
How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?
Whether or not I work in the non-profit space in the future, I will always remember the fact that marketing has such a huge impact on the well-being of a small business. Just from one post on social media, we are sometimes able to connect with donors who brighten the days of families or curate events that do the same. Also, the hands-on aspect of this internship has given me so much insight into what I will be doing in the future and has only made me more excited to work in the marketing field.
Whether or not I work in the non-profit space in the future, I will always remember the fact that marketing has such a huge impact on the well-being of a small business. Just from one post on social media, we are sometimes able to connect with donors who brighten the days of families or curate events that do the same.
How will this experience impact your next semester at Lubin?
Having such an amazing first internship has given me even more ambition to want to continue to gain experience within the marketing field. It has also made me want to gain more knowledge. I'm so excited for next semester at Lubin and will be a part of the Lubin Business Association in the hopes of inspiring other marketing students to do the same.
Do you have any advice for other Lubin students who would like to pursue an internship in the future?
My advice would be to work closely with your professors and Career Services to curate professional relationships with them. Because of my Lubin professors and Career Services, I was extremely prepared for applying to internships and, as a result, having successful interviews. Never be afraid to ask questions or for help because you never know the opportunities you may get out of them.
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