DLE INTERNSHIPS GIVE NEXT GEN LEADERS REAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

With the start of the spring academic semester this month, the DLE has opened opportunities for two college undergraduates to broaden their skills and networks with meaningful internships.

Last week’s HUB introduced Fordham University junior Katie Kelly, a communications and media studies major, who has become the creative force behind planning and executing the DLE’s social media content.

The second member of our dynamic intern duo is Jessica O’Neill, a Syracuse University junior who is dual majoring in marketing and finance. This week, she begins a strategic marketing internship with the DLE. In her new role, Jessica will create content and campaigns to introduce new and prospective DLE members to the DLE’s unique dividends that distinguish it from other professional development organizations. Additionally, she will innovate strategies to enhance the overall DLE brand.

The opportunity for hands-on creative challenges is eagerly anticipated by Jessica. “The innovative and entrepreneurial culture of the Dulye Leadership Experience instantly attracted me since my goal professionally is to work with a forward-thinking organization,” she explains. “I feel very lucky to be given this opportunity to work alongside individuals who will help me grow and develop new skills while simultaneously working hard to create positive outcomes for the DLE.”

A native of New City, NY, Jessica has been an athlete her whole life and enjoys daily workouts. In high school, she was a lacrosse captain and originally planned to continue playing in college. Growing up with a Syracuse University legacy of her grandfather, uncle and cousin as alumni, she admits that she could not resist going Orange. Although she’s not playing college lacrosse, she is an avid runner, lifts weights, practices yoga and, since the pandemic, enjoys meditation. “It’s a great way to check in on yourself—like a workout for your mind,” she notes.

Since 2014, Jessica has been a YouTube content creator. Her makeup tutorial videos have reached over one thousand views and inspired her to pursue marketing in college. For the past two years, Jessica has worked as an intern at OMA, a representative firm for restaurant supply equipment based in NYC. This past summer, COVID-19 prevented her from working in the office, but she earned the opportunity to run the company’s social media accounts.

Not only is Jessica eager to tackle her new role with the DLE, she’s also grateful for the personal coaching and meaningful projects that await. As she points out, “With COVID-19, internship opportunities are scarcer and more competitive than ever. It’s no longer possible to meet with a Career Center advisor to get assistance. It makes professional development a very difficult process.”