Six interns spent their summer building a new training program for the student ambassadors in the admissions department. Other tasks for the interns involved working in the main office and around campus, leading tours and boosting the department’s social media presence, as well as working on one big project per summer.
“The program is to create a step-up training from group-visit day ambassadors, to be able to give those more personalized tours,” said Lilian Carville, assistant director of student employment and head of the internship program. “They need a real focus on being able to tell alumni stories, share relevant information, and then conveying that information in a manner that is authentic, genuine, and easy to remember.”
Back in full swing after a slow year, the internship program provides students with the opportunity to work for the admissions office while promoting Hillsdale values.
“I really enjoyed getting to work for the college over the summer,” senior Brennan Nokelby said, “especially being in a capacity where I get to brag about a place I love so much.”
The training will allow the ambassadors to prepare for the personal conversations and unique connections in private.
“It’s a lot less about selling the college and more about just being honest about how things actually are here,” Nokelby said. “That’s what’s going to get the most people and the right people to apply.”
A typical day for this year’s interns involved office work, leading summer campus tours, social media marketing, and building the training program.
While campus is quite different in the summer, the interns said they found plenty of ways to enjoy their free time after work. A typical evening included trips to the Udder Side or board game nights.
“Being on campus all summer really helped us to be able to understand why we love Hillsdale and is a really cool part of embracing the mission,” sophomore intern Caitie Dugan said. “It connects you more deeply with the college, the campus, and the community, something that’s not always possible during the school year.”
Another important aspect for Dugan was the friendships she formed during the program. The six interns were involved in a variety of different majors and extracurriculars, but came together to form a team.
“We didn’t really know each other as a collective group coming in and now I love hanging out with all of them,” she said.
