by Jesia Choity
Internships are more than resume builders – they’re moments when students discover what excites them, what challenges them and where they might go after graduation. For Monmouth College students, the Yahnke Business and Economics Endowed Internships Fund – established through the generosity of Dick ’66 and Lee Yahnke – helps turn those moments into reality by providing financial support for housing, living expenses or other costs tied to summer work experiences.
This past summer, Monmouth students Alana Robertson, Andrew Johnson, McKealey Klokkenga and Warren Reed received the generous fund, and three of them shared how Yahnke funding made their internships possible – and how those opportunities helped them grow personally and professionally.
Serving families through non-profit work
At Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois in Peoria, Robertson stepped into the role of marketing and operations intern. Her main project was to spread the word about the non-profit’s day program, which provides support to families with hospitalized children.
She wrote official documents, designed business cards, built social media content and connected with local non-profits. But what stuck with her the most were opportunities to be involved with the community.
“One of the most rewarding moments was seeing my marketing work shared publicly on social media,” she said. “But the most memorable moments were the interactions I had with families and through community outreach.”
Working in a small but busy office, she sometimes had to make tough decisions on her own. It was intimidating, she said, but it built her confidence. The experience also confirmed her interest in the fields of marketing, brand development and inter-business communications.
“I learned so much about myself,” she reflected. “I love interacting with others and building relationships. I felt fulfilled every time I finished work for the day.”
Discovering a passion for sales at Flexsteel
Johnson joined Flexsteel Industries as a sales intern, where he collaborated with fellow interns on competitive research, product development and market analysis. He also had the chance to shadow sales representatives in the field and present findings every two weeks to company leaders.
The corporate office environment was new to him, but the Flexsteel team’s support quickly eased his nerves.
“What surprised me most was how smoothly I was able to transition from college work to working in the internship,” he said. “I felt adequately prepared because of my experiences at Monmouth.”
For Johnson, the highlight came at the end of the internship.
“The most rewarding moment was my closing meeting with managers,” he shared. “Being able to express my gratitude and hearing their appreciation for my contributions was an incredible experience.”
The summer solidified Johnson’s passion for sales and gave him clarity on his future career path.
Learning communications firsthand on campus
Closer to home, Klokkenga spent her summer working in Monmouth College’s Alumni Office. Her projects included creating Instagram reels to promote events, including the Fighting Scots Society Golf Outing, helping with the Golden Scots Celebration and designing mass emails using the office’s new outreach system. She admitted she didn’t expect to love it as much as she did.
“The most rewarding moment was seeing the success of my reels and being asked to continue working during the school year,” she said.
The experience showed her that she prefers the communications and marketing side of business. She also gained confidence in working with staff across campus.
“Before this, I was hesitant to even use (the college’s) ACE to help with my resume,” she said. “Now I feel more comfortable reaching out and using resources on campus.”
The power of the Yahnke Fund and internships
Robertson described the Yahnke Fund as “the greatest blessing,” since her position was unpaid. Johnson explained how the fund covered his cost of living so he could focus on the experience. Klokkenga noted that without the funding, commuting multiple days a week wouldn’t have been practical. And the impact, they agree, goes far beyond financial support. It’s about opening doors to growth, connection and career clarity.
When asked what they’d tell other students about an internship, their answers carried a common theme: don’t hold back.
“Do not limit yourself. Be open to new and different experiences – you never know what opportunities will come your way.”
“Even if you don’t follow that career path, you still gain valuable experience and connections.”
“Take it. The skills, relationships and confidence you build will stay with you forever.”
Thanks to internships like these – and the generosity of the Yahnkes – Monmouth students are discovering their strengths, refining their goals and preparing to step confidently into life after college. Doors are open to growth, preparing students for success and career clarity.
As Klokkenga summarized: “I think this internship will stay with me forever, and that is invaluable.”
***Courtesy of Monmouth College***
