Prelude Interactive

As an English major, the bulk of my internship applications were editing jobs at publishing companies or magazines. I thought I was a pretty strong candidate for these jobs, and that I would certainly get one of them, but apparently the hundreds of other English majors at UT desperate for jobs in their field had the same idea. Needless to say, I was turned down. Several times.

The Prelude Interactive internship had been at the back of my mind as I began to worry what I would do all summer, and when Ehren emailed me requesting an interview near the end of the spring semester, I allowed myself to hope that my summer would not be wasted watching zombie movies and playing video games in an effort to ward off the boredom.

I prepared for my interview by familiarizing myself with the Prelude Interactive website. I was scared. The “About Us” page was full of terms like “PHP” and “data migration” that left me completely in the dark. However, since I learned of the opportunity via a mass email from my public relations professor, I figured I wasn’t required to know programming languages and website development for the job (although I did ask a few of my computer-savvy friends to explain some of the more difficult terms).

After learning more about the company, I realized that this would be a great place for me, and it would be an internship that I could be proud of, and not only use as a resume builder. I could feel good about working with a company that worked towards a goal not simply about making money, but about supporting causes and nonprofits that could help change the world for the better.

So when I got the internship I was pretty excited. And now that I have been working with Prelude Interactive for a few weeks, I am happier than ever. I have been working hard on compiling a comprehensive database of volunteer management software, a subject I am now well versed in even though I didn’t know volunteer management software existed in the spring! I’ve also been working on copy and testing for HelpAttack!, which I thoroughly enjoy, since I get to see my improvements implemented on the site.

For me, the best part about working on the VMS database and HelpAttack! is being able to see the results of my work put into action toward socially responsible causes. As I see the database grow, I feel good in knowing that it will eventually be a useful tool for nonprofits and other volunteer-based organizations that have trouble finding the right type of software for their company. Whenever I give notes on editing and layout concerning HelpAttack!, I get to see my writing or ideas being used to help build a website that could eventually be a great moneymaking tool for many worthwhile causes. It’s work that I can take pride in.

Interning with Prelude Interactive has been a rewarding experience for me, not only because I work for a company with positive goals, but also because my work is taken seriously into consideration. I don’t do the menial jobs that I imagine are common in other internship positions. Instead, I get to make a difference and actually help people out! And that’s awesome!