An Internship Reflection by Donovan Perkins

As a graduating senior at Queens University of Charlotte double majoring in Music and Arts Leadership & Business, and a student of Stephanie Stenglein, I came into my internship at Arts+ with a strong foundation in arts administration and a clear understanding of nonprofit work. In September 2025, I joined Arts+ as the Development and Communications intern, and this experience allowed me to apply that knowledge in a real-world setting while expanding my skills across multiple areas.

I worked on newsletters and acknowledgment letters, managed and analyzed data through a CRM system, supported grant writing and reporting, updated program budgets, and tracked campaign donations, pledges, and asks. I also helped to streamline workflows, improve communication, and ensure projects stayed on track, while attending board meetings and assisting with impact report distribution. One of my most substantial projects was helping roll out the summer internship program, where I worked cross-departmentally, drew on my own experience as an intern, and contributed to building a structure that will serve the organization for years to come.

While I gained a lot from the administrative and development side of the organization, the most meaningful part of my experience was seeing Arts+ students in action. I got to see students demonstrating proficiency and curiosity across all mediums of art. Those moments made the work feel tangible because they reflected the organization’s impact in the community and reminded me why the behind-the-scenes effort matters. It brought everything full circle in a way that was motivating and affirming.

My internship was also shaped by incredible mentorship. Stephanie has been an exceptional supervisor. She is transparent, patient, and trusting, and she consistently treated me with a level of dignity and respect that I had not previously experienced in many professional settings. Because of her leadership, I felt supported while also being challenged to grow, take initiative, and contribute meaningfully to the organization.

Overall, this internship has prepared me for the next steps in my career by strengthening both my technical and interpersonal skills. I developed experience in data management, research, donor relations, grant writing, and communications, while also learning how to navigate a collaborative and mission-driven environment. More importantly, I leave this experience with a deeper understanding of how arts organizations operate and a clearer sense of the kind of professional I aim to be moving forward. I am full of radiant gratitude.