The Civil Service Council will feature a civil service employee at Illinois State University each month to highlight an exceptional colleague and the outstanding work being done on campus. This month, learn about and applaud Career Services Internship Connections Coordinator Megan Patterson.
What is your position on campus and how long have you been with the University?
My position is the internship connections coordinator at Career Services, which I have served as since August of 2021. Prior to that, I worked as a night operations coordinator for University Housing Services. I saw an opportunity at Career Services to advance my professional skills and build my network, which is exactly what has happened. The big neon “Your Future Starts Here” sign outside of our doors isn’t just for show. My personal and professional life really have blossomed since starting here.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding part in my role is being a part of the bridge that leads students to professional success. I serve as an advocate and connect them with recruiters who seek them for internships and full-time jobs. What is even more exciting is when recruiters tell me how fantastic the students are doing at their organization, or when a student shares how much they are enjoying their experience and what they’re learning from it. Their feedback reminds me why I do what I do. During a typical day, I track internship records, organize internship grant information, and participate in event-planning meetings to name just a few of my duties. When the “behind-the-scenes” work finally comes together, it is very gratifying.
What are your hobbies or favorite pastimes?
I enjoy working out, doing yard work, and playing with my dog. I’m a very active person and am happiest when I’m outside. I think some of my best ideas come to me when I’m working out or even just on a walk.
I also love volunteering in the community, specifically for the ExtraOrdinary Women’s Project of Bloomington-Normal. We honor and celebrate ordinary women in the community doing extraordinary things. It’s an amazing group to be a part of.
I also love to read and am trying to read as many books as possible before I start my Ph.D. program this fall. I’ve been working on writing my own fiction novel as well and love to work on Lego projects any chance I get.
What else would you like others to know about you or your time at Illinois State?
I would like others on campus to know that I’m always open to collaborate. Even if it seems like our positions may not align, I am certain we can partner to assist you and your students.
More from Natalie R. Alexander, associate director of Employer Engagement:
Megan’s talent became apparent as soon as she started. Before her hiring, the position was only part-time. Megan jumped in and quickly began taking on tasks and projects we only talked about before. As she learned her position and made it her own, she began improving and creating new and exciting initiatives. Megan’s drive, willingness to learn and ask questions, and underlying goal to do what is best for our students have made Megan a valued staff member. Megan’s commitment to our students and social issues are evident in everything she does, and her energy stems from her passion for student success. Megan is constantly seeking to improve, and I can always count on her work to be creative and student focused. She has the innate ability to think through hard issues to create equitable solutions, which makes her admired by her peers. It isn’t just the students who benefit from her compassion and expertise, but her colleagues as well.
