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?