Empowering the Next Generation: An Internship Experience at Queens Gambit
At Queens Gambit, we believe that leadership development, critical thinking, and community engagement are key to shaping the next generation of changemakers. Our internship program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience, helping them grow professionally while making a real difference in their communities. This semester, we had the pleasure of working with Marcus Gillespie, a senior at Penn State Greater Allegheny, who served as a Community Liaison. Through his hard work and dedication, Marcus demonstrated how powerful an internship experience can be when passion meets purpose.
Why Queens Gambit?
When asked what drew him to the internship, Marcus shared:
“Queens Gambit’s mission to empower communities through strategic education initiatives resonated deeply with my passion for fostering growth and inclusion. The opportunity to spearhead a campus chess club that would also engage with the local community felt like a chance to make a tangible impact.”
We were thrilled to see Marcus’s enthusiasm for community engagement right from the start. His desire to create something meaningful aligned perfectly with our goals, and he quickly became an integral part of the team.
A Semester of Learning and Collaboration
Over the course of the semester, Marcus took on a variety of tasks that challenged him to think critically and creatively. From developing outreach strategies to presenting his findings to our board of directors, his contributions went beyond expectations. Reflecting on his experience, Marcus noted:
“Each week brought new tasks that sharpened my skills and pushed me to think critically about community engagement.”
One of the highlights of his internship was the opportunity to build relationships with students, faculty, and local organizations. He shared how learning to connect with diverse stakeholders was one of the most valuable lessons he took away from the experience:
“Understanding different perspectives and aligning them with Queens Gambit’s goals taught me the importance of effective communication and relationship-building.”
Favorite Projects
Marcus played a key role in launching the Queens Gambit campus chess outreach program, a project that he described as particularly rewarding. He explained:
“I loved developing the pitch for the campus chess outreach program. It allowed me to combine creative thinking with strategic planning and gave me the chance to interact with students and local organizations, laying the foundation for future partnerships.”
This project showcased Marcus’s leadership skills and his ability to turn an idea into a concrete initiative with lasting potential. It also helped expand Queens Gambit’s presence on campus and in the surrounding community.
Professional Growth and Future Plans
One of the main goals of our internship program is to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in their future endeavors. Marcus’s experience demonstrated just how impactful an internship can be in shaping career paths. He reflected:
“This internship solidified my interest in community development and outreach. I now see how my passion for education can intersect with creative initiatives to create meaningful change, and I aim to pursue more opportunities in this field.”
Throughout the semester, Marcus honed key professional skills, including project management, adaptability, and time management. He shared how balancing various responsibilities helped him grow:
“Juggling event planning, research, and outreach while navigating unexpected challenges improved my time-management skills and bolstered my confidence in taking initiative.”
Advice for Future Interns
As someone who fully embraced his internship experience, Marcus had insightful advice for future interns:
“Be proactive and open to feedback. Take ownership of your projects and view every challenge as an opportunity to learn. The support and resources are there—use them to their fullest!”
He also emphasized the importance of networking:
“Don’t shy away from networking. Building genuine connections with mentors, peers, and stakeholders can open doors to opportunities you didn’t know existed.”
A Memorable Experience
One moment that stood out to Marcus was presenting his findings to Queens Gambit’s board of directors:
“Presenting my findings to the board of directors was nerve-wracking yet exhilarating. Their positive feedback affirmed the value of my work and motivated me to keep striving for excellence.”
We are proud of the work Marcus accomplished during his internship and grateful for the enthusiasm and creativity he brought to the program. His experience exemplifies what Queens Gambit’s internship program is all about—empowering young leaders to grow, innovate, and make an impact.
Final Thoughts
Marcus’s journey with Queens Gambit is a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose. Internships aren’t just about gaining experience—they’re about discovering new possibilities, building skills, and making a lasting impact. We’re excited to see where Marcus’s future takes him and are confident that he will continue to be a force for positive change in his community.
To future interns, we echo Marcus’s advice: Dive in, be proactive, and make the most of every opportunity. The experience, skills, and connections you gain will stay with you long after the internship ends.
Would you like to join us on this journey of empowerment and growth? Our internship program is always looking for dedicated individuals ready to make a difference!
