High school and college are filled with memorable experiences and relationships. Many, however, pale in comparison to the connections that are made within forensic squads and between debate and speech coaches and their team members. I competed in Lincoln-Douglas debate and U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking all four years of high school, attended two debate institutes, competed twice at the NFL National Tournament, and went on to assist in coaching LD and Extemp for three and half years in college. Forensic activities have shaped the adult that I have become, and as the first intern to work at the National Office, I have taken the opportunity to give something back to the NFL. I know what you’re thinking; why move to Ripon, Wisconsin, to work in an office you’ve never visited for ten months of your life that you could spend backpacking in Europe or starting graduate study? The answer is simple: experiences shape one's future. I have gained invaluable knowledge about the nature of not for profit organizations, worked on an innovative discussion initiative, developed forensic teacher education curriculum, aided in website development, and made some incredible friends.
I graduated from the University of Iowa, with a degree in Political Science and a Certificate in the Philosophy and Ethics of Politics, Law, and Economics program. Like many former forensicaters, I was drawn to study a major that encompasses the same social issues that I became familiar with as a competitor. However, as is the case with most liberal arts degrees, knowing what kind of classes I found interesting did not translate into knowing what kind of job I wanted. Even the best college student needs practical experience before using their undergraduate knowledge to make an argument in the real world. This is what the NFL internship has done for me.
The initial element of my internship dealt with the United Nations Foundation initiative, The People Speak. This nation-wide event series encourages grassroots citizen dialogue on issues of U.S. foreign policy; a cause in which I truly believe. As the contact and coordinator for all NFL member schools that completed events, my organizational and creative skills were challenged and improved. Designing packets and advertisements, conducting interviews, writing reports, and creating a magazine layout featuring this project in the Rostrum lent me insight into the multi-faceted nature of non-profit organizations. The professional contacts I have made and the publication and interpersonal experience I’ve gained have guided me towards new career avenues.
Additionally, this year the NFL introduced an improved website. Offering input on web company contracts, and then authoring and editing the content of the website were thrilling experiences. The design of our new site has the ability to offer NFL members exceptional resources and services, many of which I have gotten to create. I have written widely circulated press releases on NFL events and debate summaries for nationally syndicated newspapers. I have proofread articles and aided in the monthly pagination process of the Rostrum. A large portion of my internship has been the study of writing grants. The NFL, like other non-profits is constantly expanding the services that it offers its members. These services require funding, and learning to ask the right people, at the right time, in the right way is the definition of successful grant writing. It is a skill that is in constant demand, and that once mastered and perfected, opens infinite doors. Working as an intern for the NFL has given me practical grant writing experience, while also offering me the flexibility of a unique learning environment.
I’ve traveled to Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., Nashville, and Des Moines. I’ve met former Vice President Al Gore, ABC News Correspondent Sam Donaldson, media visionary Ted Turner, and the energetic staff of the United Nations Foundation. My skills and networking have been expanded beyond my expectations. This internship took my undergraduate educational strengths and turned them into accomplishments.
It’s now time for the NFL to find its next intern. Do you know what elements are essential in a contract? Have you ever had administrative privileges on a national website? Do you have exemplary references in our nation’s capital? Have you ever designed a regional forensic workshop? Before last June, I couldn’t have answered “yes” to any of these questions. This internship has changed my answers. I encourage you to let it change yours as well. Think about it, Philadelphia would be a great city to jumpstart your professional development!
For more information, or to apply for the 2005-2006 NFL Internship Program, please e-mail nfl@centurytel.net.
