What If...I Don't Get My Placement?

It is the dreaded question that every CFP intern asks: "What if...I DON'T get any of my top three placements?!" Now before you hop onto that roller coaster of worry and doubt, take a moment to consider your options. Yes, not getting into one of your top three non-profit organization (NPO) choices for the Community Fellows Program can be disappointing and can leave you saying "What now?" Fear not! Here are some pointers to help keep you motivated and passionate in light of these unexpected circumstances:

You Never Know Until You Try

• Remember that at the end of the day, you are going to have a rich CFP learning experience. Regardless if you are working with your NPO preference or not, you need to give the NPO you are assigned to a chance to prove itself worthy of your internship experience.

Do Your Homework

• Some non-profit organizations are more than what they seem. Before you sigh and say “Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to make the most of this,” do some research on your non-profit. Their mission may just expand your horizons on how to explore different career opportunities as well as how to better your community.

Be Eager

• One thing that can really ruin your overall CFP experience is a poor attitude. Remember to be grateful that you were selected as a well-qualified candidate from a pool of over a hundred applicants- all of whom wanted your position. Be eager to learn, no matter where you are placed. At the end of the day, your CFP experience is what you make it out to be.

So what if you don’t get your preferred placement? Odds are you’re going to be surprised at how things work out for a greater purpose. What will yours be?

Be Prepared

You cannot control everything that takes place for the Community Fellows Program or whatever position for which you are applying. However, take charge of the things that you do have control over, such as your attire. Here is some advice on how to be prepared for the CFP Orientation Meeting, on April 10, 2014:

Tip #1: Dress like a professional, not a student. What does this mean? It means that when an employer looks at you, they should be able to identify you as a person who is serious about the position and conscientious about their appearance. 

Tip #2: What is business attire? Leave behind your jeans, sneakers, T-shirts, gaudy accessories (i.e. blatantly branded handbags, sunglasses, hoop earrings, rings, etc.) and anything else considered "casual attire." Dress to impress: modestly yet tastefully, as you would for a professional interview. Ladies: no heavy make-up or platform heels, and wear pantyhose if necessary. Gentlemen: no white socks, and remember your dress shirt (preferably a suit), dress shoes, belt, and tie.    

Tip #3: Be punctual!  Not only does this reflect poorly on your time management skills (even if you do have a legitimate reason for being late), but it can also affect your confidence and composure. Be early so that you can mentally prepare for whatever comes next.

Note: International Students

Be sure that you are qualified and have submitted your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) form and documents to the International Student Services Office. Failure to do so will result in not being able to participate in the Community Fellows Program. Here is a link to access the CPT form:

 http://students.adelphi.edu/sa/iss/pdfs/curricular-practical-training.pdf 

Remember that you are an upcoming professional and that you need to prove this to every employer you come to encounter. Be prepared so that you can do your best!