Get Pumped!

For all you eager 2014 Community Fellows interns out there, I just have one question for you: are you ready to get pumped?!

Some of you may have already started your internship while others are still anticipating all that is about to unfold. Either way, here are some tips for you to maintain this eager attitude as well as how to share your experiences with other interns so to embolden each other on this CFP journey!

Tip # 1: Keep your long-term goals at the forefront of your mind. Doing this will serve as a reminder of what you came to accomplish during your internship as well as to remain steadfast in the role your non-profit organization wants you to play.

Tip #2: Have an open-mind and be flexible. You'll find that more opportunities to contribute at your NPO arise out of your willingness to try new things. Also, being available to your NPO as much as possible exhibits dedication and passion.

Tip #3: Stay connected! Let's face it, we are all going to reach a dry patch in our internship at some point or another. To prevent ourselves from remaining apathetic, see what your fellow CFP interns are posting by following the Career Center's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter page (@HIREaPANTHER), which I strongly encourage you to join if you haven't yet.

**Remember to share your experiences on Instagram and/or Twitter using the #communityfellows. You can also nominate yourself and send it via the CFP email for a chance to win Community Fellows of the Week!

If you're pumped up about this summer, please don't hesitate to continually share your journey on social media! I'll be sharing my own personal CFP experience at Girls Inc. of Long Island on this blog. Get pumped UP because it's going to be one amazing summer!

I Got My Placement...Now What?

You are a Community Fellows intern and you have received your non-profit organization placement. You have arrived at the precipice of your next collegiate experience...now what? Well, I'm here to reassure you that you can prepare yourself in advance so that you are fresh and ready to start on your first day. Use this acronym as your guide:

Contact them. You and your non-profit representative or supervisor will need to keep in contact prior to your internship. Make it a point to meet them in-person or to call them ahead of time so that they can get to know you. If your NPO has not contacted you by the end of this week, ask a CFP Career Counselor about the person you are to be corresponding with ASAP!

Find out. Do your research and find out more about your NPO by visiting their website. What were some programs or events they recently hosted? What were their outcomes? Are there any activities or developments your NPO is working on that you wish to inquire about? Doing this may result in receiving an opportunity to collaborate with your NPO on a project that personally interests you.

Plan ahead. Remember to update your resume (and perhaps even your wardrobe). Do you have sufficient business casual and formal attire for your internship? Plan ahead by revising that resume and going on a shopping trip before your internship. You are not only representing your school, but also your work ethic, both aesthetically and practically.

Once your final exams are over (and what a relief that will be!), review these steps. Allow the time between the end of this semester and your first day as CFP intern to do some soul-searching. How do you really want to make a difference while working with your non-profit? What does this say about your character? Why did you want to become a CFP intern in the first place? Think about it.