Our #SummerOfPurpose blog series follows this year’s Cleveland Foundation Summer Interns as they spend 11 weeks working with Cleveland-area nonprofit and public sector organizations. In today’s blog, we hear from Allosious Snodgrass, who is working with the The Presidents’ Council Foundation to assist with planning the 2017 Annual Conference, develop ongoing print and electronic communications, and further research and data collection/analysis related to the Presidents’ Council’s programs and services.

How did you first hear about the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program?

About two weeks before the deadline, I was scrolling through Facebook and came across a post by the foundation. I checked it out, saw that I met the requirements, and decided to apply. 

Why did you initially decide to participate in this internship program?

After reading more about the program, I wanted to take on the challenge it presented: the challenge of working at a new organization in a non-traditional internship that enables interns to take ownership of a project and fill a need at a local organization. From what I read, it was not a typical “paper-pushing” internship. I wanted an opportunity to take complete ownership of a project and learn along the way – and earn a living while I do it! 

What has been the most valuable aspect of your internship experience?

The most valuable experience of my internship has been learning about the business community, the nonprofit community, and how they function. Most importantly, learning hands-on about the amount of revisions and time put into creating events, working with a board, and operating a nonprofit – all at once. I’ve also appreciated the exposure to other sites in the community, especially the Ohio City Urban Farm (pictured). 

What has been the most challenging aspect of your internship experience?

For many nonprofits, the most challenging aspect of the work is the limited amount of resources available to execute the work. For me, the most challenging aspects of my internship are working with limited resources and the limited amount of time I have to gain new resources and execute my base objectives. 11 weeks seems like a long time, but time has been flying!

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing around Cleveland?

I enjoy trying new restaurants, discovering new stores, going for walks, visiting landmarks, completing board and community service tasks, and learning about the rich history of our city. I love our museums and historical districts. There is a lesson in everything Cleveland has to offer, from the local beers in Ohio City to the scene on East 4^th Street.

What are your career goals after college?

I am geared towards attending Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, where I will focus on earning a J.D./M.P.A. dual-degree, with a certificate focus in cyber security. My long-term goal is to run, win & serve as a public servant.

How has this internship helped you grow professionally? 

My internship has helped me grow in so many ways. So far, the most important areas I have grown in are multitasking, teamwork, project ownership and time management. Working at a nonprofit that handles almost everything in-house has prepared me to manage all aspects of an operation.

What’s your favorite public space in Cleveland? 

Public Square, Edgewater Park and the RTA.

Where would you take a friend who is visiting Cleveland for the first time?

First, to the RTA Tower City station to get an all-day, all-access pass. We would then catch the train to Ohio City to visit Mitchell’s Ice Cream, then to University Circle to MOCA, and a short walk to Little Italy to Mama Santa’s Pizza. We would walk back to the train station to take a trip to Shaker Square, and would end the day downtown at Public Square.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship program?

Come into the program ready to take on a project with the intent to learn along the way. Be prepared to truly “own” the project and do not view the Cleveland Foundation Internship Program as just some paper-pushing or coffee run type of internship. It is more than that and will challenge you in many areas. No matter what happens during your internship, don’t give up. Push through.