Guest Blogger: Kelly Cecora, Marketing/Digital Communications Intern
The Lakeside Leadership Academy (LLA) welcomes a new class of interns to Lakeside Chautauqua.
Recruitment for this popular internship opportunity began in the fall of 2013 when the LLA Planning Committee assessed last year’s program and reworked many positions to accommodate Lakeside’s growing needs.
A third Journalism/Newspaper Editor Intern was added this year to handle the volume of stories needed for the Lakesider newspaper.
The previous Advancement position was split into two specific internships, one with a focus on Advancement Events and the other on Advancement Communications.
Finally, an Events/Project Management intern was added to the Conference/Event Planning staff to help with the increasing number of internal events Lakeside hosts every summer. In the spring, members of the committee recruited applicants at job and internship fairs. More than 100 applications were received from the committee’s efforts.
Some applicants were first-time Lakesiders, while others had been visiting the Chautauqua community their entire lives.
Over the past month, the 13 new interns have quickly adjusted to the fast-paced nature of the Chautauqua community by coordinating Memorial Day weekend events and preparing details for several upcoming projects.
The LLA program provides opportunities for interns to grow in their career paths by developing valuable skills and hands-on learning experiences, as well as providing networking connections.
In addition to these added benefits that Lakeside Chautauqua provides, LLA interns are given a stipend, free housing and a season Chautauqua Pass/Auto Pass to participate in all of the
Chautauqua programs.
There are few internships available that combine professional work experience, Chautauqua programming and life on the lake.
This year’s 2014 Lakeside Leadership Academy Class includes:
Jonathon Adams ’15, Cedarville University – Accounting/IT Support
Mary Beth Bewley ’15, Cedarville University – Conference/Event Planning
Kelly Cecora ’15, Marietta College –Marketing/Digital Communications
Maria DiBiasio ‘15, Ohio Northern University – Conference/Event Planning
Layne Gerbig ‘17, Kent State University – Advancement Events
Dakota Harkins ’14, Toledo University – Educational Programming
Halee Herionimus ’16, Ashland University – Journalism/Newspaper Editor
Kathryn Kellar ’15, Muskingum University – Journalism/Newspaper Editor
Brittney McDonagh ’15, Ohio University – Accounting/IT Support
Allison Moon ’14, University of Dayton– Advancement Communications
Audrey Mungovan ’17, Miami University – Youth Music/Education
Janelle Patterson ’15, Marietta College – Journalism/Newspaper Editor
Brooke Sargent ’14, Capital University – Arts/Entertainment Management
Jessica Switzer ’15, University of Mount Union – Events/Project Management