Laurel Nolin, a Master of Arts Administration (MAA) student at Ohio University, secured an internship with the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) as the Development Intern for Spring 2024. ACLS “supports the creation and circulation of knowledge that advances understanding of humanity and human endeavors in the past, present, and future, with a view toward improving human experience" (American Council of Learned Societies, 2024). In her internship at ACLS, Laurel is working in the Development Office to research prospective new members for ACLS's associate program of higher education institutions, as well as data management in Mailchimp and Customer Recruitment Management software.
Laurel spent time researching development internships. She described that her interest in ACLS was due, in part, to their company culture. “ACLS felt like a place I could safely grow in the process of trying new things and taking risks,” she Laurel. Through the MAA program, the significance of aligning values and visions with potential workplaces remains at the core of importance. Laurel discussed that one core element of ACLS’s mission that aligns directly with her personal values is the importance of “knowledge for all.” The central goal of ACLS is to advance and share knowledge through improving humanity’s experience.
Laurel reflected on how the MAA helped prepare her for the current internship opportunity. She emphasized how the MAA highlights the necessity and importance of relationship building, as well as “community-engaged art making.” This focal point guided Laurel towards making meaningful and professional connections with others, while also implementing a collaborative mindset to her current and future work.
“My MAA with a concentration in Music Leadership focuses on mission-centric and community-centered arts [and also] allows me to continue taking many of the music classes I love such as piano pedagogy, literature, and lessons.” Laurel previously attended Wheaton College (IL), earning her B.M. in Music Performance and B.M. in Music Pedagogy. She was also a piano teacher and conservatory student leader.
Laurel will also complete the required Professional Internship in the Arts in Summer 2024, along with the MAA cohort. The semester-long internship is a significant component of the MAA program and supports students’ networking and career readiness in the field.