Downers Grove woman takes first step toward career goal

By Janice Hoppe, jhoppe@mysuburbanlife.com
Downers Grove Reporter
Posted Mar 15, 2010 @ 09:00 AM
Last update Mar 15, 2010 @ 11:16 AM
Downers Grove, IL —

Opening her own bakery is a lifelong goal for Katherine Durkin — and after an internship set for this summer, she could be closer to her goal.

The Downers Grove resident heard about the College Works Painting internship while in class and decided to apply because she wants experience running her own company.

“I want to run my own bakery. I thought this was amazing opportunity,” Durkin said.

Every weekend, Durkin is out in Downers Grove passing out flyers to market her business. She has already begun doing estimates for homeowners interested in exterior painting, staining and trim.

“Once school lets out for the summer this internship will turn full-time, and I will be hiring painters, painting homes, organizing payroll and managing customer relations,” Durkin said.

Her goal for the painting business is to make more than $80,000.

“I want to nit and grit through it, pushing myself every day,” Durkin said.

As for returning next summer, Durkin is unsure depending on what is offered to her between now and then. The experience she takes from this she hopes to apply to her life goals.