My name is Amanda Nelson, I have spent the last 3 months as the Barnesville Economic Development Authority’s Summer Intern. I have developed and improved many skills throughout the summer by working in the Barnesville EDA office. In my opinion, having this experience has broadened both my knowledge and abilities.
This summer I was expected to complete tasks that were unfamiliar to me. I worked on many design projects using Microsoft Publisher. In Publisher, I worked on brochures, flyers, special promotional mailings and an infographic. I had never worked with Publisher before this experience and I have found the knowledge I have gained invaluable. The skills that I have developed will prepare me for any future career. I have also sharpened my skills at programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
Beyond the general computer and office skills I have developed, I also learned how to effectively work with others. I developed new strategies in regards to how I communicate with others both inside and outside of the office. I had the privilege of conducting a phone survey of all the businesses in Barnesville. The survey I conducted was in regard to employees, wages and planned building improvements. I feel that my communication skills have greatly improved because of this experience. The more businesses I called, the more comfortable I became. Being a Barnesville native, I found it reassuring that I have known most of the individuals I was contacting most of my life.
More importantly, I learned how to market for the City of Barnesville. There are many different marketing strategies that go into how the City of Barnesville is viewed by the public. Before this experience, I was unfamiliar with the activities that happen inside an Economic Development office and the duties that accompany these activities. I had the opportunity to meet with realtors in the Fargo/Moorhead area about all the wonderful things that Barnesville has to offer. It was a great experience for me to see how person-to-person marketing works. The realtors that we spoke to could provide their clients with any information they might want to know about Barnesville. This presentation could benefit the Barnesville economy for years to come.
Every week I was exposed to new functions that are necessary for the Economic Development office to expand and flourish. It wasn’t long before I realized how important and essential the Economic Development Authority office is to the Barnesville community.
The internship opportunity provided to me by the Barnesville Economic Development Authority is simply irreplaceable. The skills and knowledge I have gained throughout this experience will benefit me for many years to come. I have learned more skills in the past three months as an intern, than any class could provide. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in such a critical office and I look forward to similar opportunities in the future.
Sincerely, Amanda Nelson