Current Projects
Graf interns work with a substantial variety of projects both small and large. The list below is simply a cross-section of some of those projects. Click on any of them below to find out more. Further questions can be directed to the Illinois Leadership Center.
Description: Organizing the Ignite i-program involves preparing curriculum, coordinating program logistics, and working with local community and campus groups. This i-program uniquely stresses community involvement while developing students’ organizational leadership skills over an intensive 3-day retreat.
Reflection: “Ignite is probably my favorite i-program, with a focus on leading change in groups. I personally attended the program a year ago and organizing it this year has been a challenge but has given me a new perspective on the goals of the program."
Description: The Transition Workshop, entitled “From College Lab to Corner Office: A Transition Workshop from College to Industry,” is aimed at engineering students planning on industry work after college. Co-sponsored by Clorox, the evening workshop helps students develop networking capabilities while being exposed to the “real world” industry perspective from recent college graduates who currently work for Clorox.
Reflection: “Working with industry representatives was a unique and beneficial experience. As an engineering student, I found that not only did my personal experiences with transitioning after college mold some of the workshop activities but also I personally benefited from the activities I organized for the evening.”
Description: Planning Insight from the bottom up. This entails the completion of all the necessary details to have the program go smoothly, such as: confirming all the hotel accommodations, communicating to facilitators and participants, serving as an on-site coordinator, and running the Insight follow-up programs.
Reflection: “This has been one of my most memorable experiences. I have gained so many valuable skills that I can use for the future. The most important thing I learned is how to be flexible. I met so many wonderful people both participants and facilitators.”
Description: The main objective of outreach is to present the Illinois Leadership Center to students, faculty, and staff, as well as registered student organizations. These presentations focus on the opportunities and resources the Leadership Center has to offer. A secondary objective is to use outreach to increase attendance at upcoming i-programs.
Reflection: “Working on outreach has really improved my public speaking skills. Since outreach deals with such a wide range of diverse audiences, reading the audience and gearing the presentation towards them is the key. It's just something that needs practice and experience for you to get better at it.”
Description: Creatively develop materials which market and represent the Illinois Leadership Center to our targeted audiences. Mediums used include the web, printed materials, PowerPoint presentations, posters, postcards, bulletin boards and advertising on Facebook, with local media, and on MTD buses.
Reflection: “Working with caring and helpful staff makes anything possible. Marketing proved to be an experience from which I learned and had fun doing. It is always enjoyable to think of new ways to reach people and appeal to them. Overall, I have had an amazing marketing experience here.”
Description: Budget, coordinate, and plan a transitional workshop for approximately 200 students with 25 Alumni Coaches participating. Facilitate the smooth run of a program held once a year which includes assisting in the facilitator selection and training process, as well as coordinating participant web interaction and information.
Reflection: "Coordinating Imprint is a great way to see and manage all the details of planning a major event. It is amazing to learn what organization and detail goes into putting together a program that affects so many people in positive ways.”
