by Ellie Hershberger, graphic design and editorial intern
The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) National Office in Colorado Springs has internship opportunities year round in graphic design, video production, Envision, marketing, and editorial. College students or recent graduates can apply to intern for as long or short of time as they are available, although typical internships last six to eight weeks. During their time, they will have an experience catered to any skill level in their area of interest.
“Interns gain experience that dovetails with their education to enhance their background in their field of choice, while at the same time benefiting them from being a part of our Christian employer culture,” says Jan Peacock, National Office human resources (HR) specialist. “They also benefit the C&MA because we are exposed to what new up-comers are learning in school related to that field.”
Knowledge and Experience
Although the internships are unpaid, most interns do not have problems finding other part-time work at places like Marshalls and Chick-fil-A. The internships also do not typically include housing or transportation, but interns have found those things in the past by inquiring around the Alliance community.
“Our reason for offering internships is simply to give students an opportunity to experience and apply their knowledge in an actual work setting, to learn from that experience, and to grow in their knowledge of the C&MA,” Jan explains. “We take on an intern to benefit the intern more than to benefit the organization.”
Several interns have been hired to work full time at the National Office after their time interning. Others have gone on to work in their field at other successful companies.
“From an HR perspective, if you’ve had an applicable internship experience, I think it increases a new graduate’s chance of getting a job in their field,” Jan says. “It’s a win for future employers because they get a more well-rounded employee.”
Intern Insights
Kenny Crane interned with the graphic design team at the National Office in 2013, and then was hired as a full-time graphic designer in 2016 after graduating from John Brown University. He enjoyed his internship as a first glimpse into his field as a career.
“I definitely learned tips and tricks here and there, but the most valuable information I got from [my internship] was the experience of working in a corporate setting,” he says.
Emmy Houk is an English major set to finish her senior year at Colorado Christian University in 2017. She interned in editorial during the summer of 2015 and then was hired part time as she finishes school.
“I think the people [were my favorite part of the internship] because there’s such a different culture here than a lot of other work places,” she reflects. “We know what’s going on in each other’s lives, and we’re praying for each other, which is not something that you get at normal work places. There’s a lot of grace here.”
Andy Staver has had a long relationship with the C&MA. He had two internships in 2008 and 2010, did freelance work for the organization in 2012, then did another video internship through Envision. He was hired full time on the video production team in December 2012. Like Emmy, he also appreciates the Christ-centered culture created in the office.
“The environment that [my coworkers] created was so welcoming,” he notes. “It is a more family-oriented community.”
Eternal Impact
Ryan Pinkerton was majoring in Christian Studies at Grand Canyon University when he decided to intern with Envision from August 2015–May 2016. He now works full time for Envision as their operations coordinator.
“[My internship] was all about my discipleship path more than just doing whatever work Envision needed done,” he explains. “I think the best part was how much I was challenged in my faith. I was expecting to learn a lot about missions and ministry, but I wasn’t expecting to be as challenged in my faith as I was.”
In addition to the hands-on field experience and family atmosphere of the office, the interns also enjoyed the privilege of working with an organization that makes an eternal impact.
“Here you’re working for something greater than money,” Kenny says. “I think that’s what sets this internship apart from others. If you want to take your faith seriously and add something to the world, then I think this internship would be good for you.”
Learn More
Read more about C&MA National Office internships, or e-mail Jan Peacock at [email protected] to have your questions answered.