About Kate
Kate joined Heartland Bank’s Marketing and Customer Experience Department as a graphic design intern on April 9, 2025. A native of Highland, Illinois, she is a graphic design major at Illinois State University (ISU) and expects to graduate in December 2025.
From Campus to Marketing Department
At ISU, Kate participates in the Graphic Design Club and Women in Business, organizations that provide opportunities for skill development, collaboration and career exploration.
Kate’s internship has provided valuable hands-on experience. She says the role allowed her to work through the “full sequence of marketing asset creation, from initial concept to final delivery.” She was responsible for both updating existing materials and creating new designs for various platforms, while also focusing on brand consistency and file management. Kate emphasized the collaborative environment, stating she “actively participated in brainstorming sessions and incorporating feedback to refine designs and achieve project goals.”
What advice would you give to intern candidates or future interns?
“Heartland Bank’s internship program is designed to provide real-world experience and foster professional growth.” Kate encourages future interns to approach challenges with confidence, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.
What else would you like to tell Heartland Bank employees about your experience?
She also expressed her gratitude to Heartland Bank employees for their supportive environment and encourages others to seek opportunities that push them beyond their comfort zones, as this internship did for her. She says she will carry this experience with her for some time.