Intern Spotlight: Maddie Schwenneker

Spencer native Maddie Schwenneker is the Marketing Intern for the Clay County Fair. An Iowa State University senior, Schwenneker is majoring in communications with a Spanish minor and a business emphasis. 

After her mother found the internship online and suggested she apply, Schwenneker dug a little deeper into the specific responsibilities and decided it was something she wanted to try. She was attracted to the position thanks to a desire to learn more about the field and a lifelong love of the Clay County Fair. “I was interested in applying because it’s marketing and communications so that’s obviously what I am studying,” Schwenneker said. “But also its the fair. I’ve always loved the fair and have grown up with it. Being able to be a part of it is kind of like giving back, which is great!”

Schwenneker is most looking forward to applying the skills that she has learned in the classroom, saying, “What I’m most excited for is being able to have people see the products that I have built as well as the social media which is the majority of my work.”

Additionally, she mentioned the value of this position in regards to her current field. “The internship relates to communications because I am communicating with people constantly, whether they be fairgoers or business partners. On the marketing side of things, being able to market not only myself but a business and a corporation as well as a non-profit. So in the future that will help whether that be a position in human resources or as the marketing director,“ explained Schwenneker. 

“We’re excited to have Maddie on board as an intern this summer,” said Clay County Fair and Events Center Marketing and Partnership Director, Andrea Wiesenmeyer. “Her knowledge of the Fair coupled with her current studies has allowed her to make an immediate impact on our marketing. I can’t wait to see where her future endeavors take her after graduation next spring.”

When asked if she had any advice for people applying for internships, Schwenneker said, “Allow your creativity to flow; be able to generate your own ideas and collaborate with other people. It’s always about being able to work as a team. We are very team based here, so it’s great being able to have that cooperation as well as to add your own touch to it!” She also added, “I’m excited for the Fair, and we hope to see everyone [September] 8th through the 16th!”

About the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development agency for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. The Iowa Lakes Corridor’s mission is to foster, encourage, promote, aid or otherwise assist in the economic development growth and development of the four-county region.