As the Summer ’25 nonprofit internship experience at ROI Solutions comes to a close, I’m filled with both pride and gratitude. It’s been a season of learning, growth, and connection—not just for me, but for each of us on the intern team. We’re walking away with new skills, valuable insights, and meaningful relationships that will shape our future careers. In this post, I’m excited to share a glimpse into what we’ve been working on, the advice we’d offer to future interns, and the key takeaways from our time at ROI.
McKenna Couch: Sales & Marketing Assistant
As I wrap up my second summer at ROI, I’m filled with deep gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such an evolving and critically important space. This year, I gained an even stronger appreciation for how our technology empowers clients in meaningful ways—and it’s been incredibly rewarding to play even a small part in that impact.
As Sales & Marketing Assistant this summer, I contributed to content development, email marketing, and client communications in support of both internal initiatives and external outreach. My work included writing and refining blog posts on topics such as PCI compliance, the Krypto awards, High-Touch fundraising enhancements, and recapping the Bridge Conference, as well as repurposing blog content into targeted emails for prospective clients. I supported RFP reviews, helped shape executive-facing messaging on Unite Analytics, and created strategized messaging around ROI’s collaboration with CDP.
Along with developing my marketing skills and having the opportunity to promote such important work, I am most of all inspired by the passion at ROI and our nonprofit clients. Whether in a one-on-one with my supervisor or during an all-hands meeting, it’s clear how deeply people care about the mission and their drive to serve clients during pivotal moments. These were truly meaningful intern projects—the kind that not only built my skills but also deepened my connection to mission-driven work. As I prepare to take the next step in my professional journey, I’ll carry that same sense of purpose and commitment to the nonprofit sector with me. I’m incredibly grateful to ROI for the experiences, lessons, and inspiration it has given me at such a formative stage in my career.
Want to hear more about my nonprofit internship reflection from two summers at ROI? Check out My Mission here.
Richard Wu: Client Services Intern
This summer at ROI Solutions, I had the opportunity to see how the concepts I’ve studied in school translate into real-world impact. Most of my work focused on data quality checks and uploads on the Data Management team—meaningful intern projects that might seem small or routine from the outside, but I quickly learned how critical they are to the success of the broader organization. These behind-the-scenes responsibilities keep systems running smoothly and ensure that clients can rely on accurate, trustworthy data. Being part of that process gave me a new appreciation for operational integrity and attention to detail.
One of the biggest lessons I took away from this impact-driven tech internship is the value of asking questions early and often. Everyone I worked with was open, helpful, and genuinely invested in my learning, which made it easier to grow and contribute in a meaningful way. That collaborative spirit really shaped my experience. For future interns, I’d recommend staying curious, jumping into projects when you can, and not being afraid to speak up or seek help. There’s so much to learn just by being present and engaged, and ROI is a place where that kind of initiative is truly welcomed.
I’m happy to report that after my graduation this August, I’ll be joining ROI Solutions as a full-time employee!
Ryan Ackerley: Machine Learning Intern
I had a great time working at ROI Solutions this summer! As part of the MiLo Intelligence team, I had the chance to dive deep into real-world machine learning implementation. It was exciting to apply the skills I’ve developed in the classroom to tangible projects—building tools and models that directly support the organization’s mission. This was more than just a tech role—it was an impact-driven tech internship where every task connected innovation with purpose.
Working in a professional environment taught me not only the technical aspects of deploying machine learning at scale but also the importance of collaboration, iteration, and aligning technical work with organizational goals.
What made this experience especially rewarding was seeing the real impact of our work. Watching our models generate positive lift and drive meaningful outcomes reinforced the value of what we were building. However, it was even more fulfilling to know that the organizations benefiting from these tools are working to make the world a better place. Being able to contribute to that, even in a small way, made this internship deeply meaningful and motivating—a nonprofit internship reflection I’ll carry forward in my career.
Final Thoughts
Our Summer ’25 at ROI Solutions was more than just an internship. It was a season of meaningful intern projects, mission-focused collaboration, and hands-on learning in an impact-driven tech internship environment. For each of us, this nonprofit internship experience at ROI Solutions was both a career stepping stone and a personal milestone, offering skills, relationships, and memories that will last far beyond the summer.
