TBT: Samantha Baker!

Samantha Baker:

from Marketing Intern to Campaign Manager

Sam Baker, an upstate New York-native, quickly adapted to the Long Island culture her Freshman year in 2009. Sam was an active resident on campus, majoring in Business Management and minoring in Marketing. This impressive young lady received scholarships in recognition of her academic and community involvement, and was a member of the Levermore Global Scholars Program. Although not a major, Samantha took part in the Psychology Club, hoping to broaden her educational experience and deepen her understanding of human interaction and consumerism. 

In the fall of her Junior year, Sam was a Public Relations intern and learned the ropes of working in fast-paced Manhattan. During this time, Sam  communicated with magazine editors regarding featured products, created product packages, and wrote press releases. When it came time to pursue her second internship, Sam was more-than-qualified to apply for the Community Fellows Program (CFP) and work in the non-profit sector. Not only was Sam qualified, but she was prepared, determined, and destined to take this path that would positively impact her career trajectory. For the summer months, Sam was a Marketing Intern at the Institute for Student Achievement (ISA). She worked on marketing the new curriculum that the company designed for under-performing school districts in NY. Because it was focused on increasing high-school graduation rates and even college attendance rates, the long term effects on these communities was incredible. Sam said that this was a rewarding opportunity that helped prepare her for the working world and understand how businesses operate. 

Within this internship opportunity, Sam wrote press releases, developed web content, promoted products, coordinated social media, conducted market research, and worked at corporate events. When we asked Sam to discuss her internship with us, she said this: 

"I liked the environment of ISA and knew that I wanted to work in a similar environment in the future. I liked that it was small enough to know everyone in the company but large enough to really make an impact in the industry.   While I do not work for a non-profit now, I work for a start-up tech company in which a lot of the aspects are similar to my internship."

Currently, as mentioned above, Sam works at a start-up tech company, called Unruly, as a Campaign Manager in New York City. According to Sam, "understanding how the different departments interacted with each other and learning how overall goals varied across those departments is a skill that [she] has been able to take with [her] to other jobs." For those of you lucky ducks who have been selected to partake in the CFP internship, Sam offers to you a piece of advice: 

"You will gain as much as you want to gain from this internship.  Ask as many questions as possible, and be vocal about what job tasks interest you (and what tasks don’t interest you.) A lot of non-profits have an “all hands on deck” approach, so it’s a great opportunity to get involved in projects that you may have thought you were under-qualified for."

As the summer months approach, finish up strong, enjoy the beautiful weather, and get prepared to get involved in your internship!!! Don't forget to check us out on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, to follow the journey of our CFPs as they immerse themselves in their non-profits and experiential learning experiences! 

DON'T BE THIS GUY!! GET BUSY AND GET INVOLVED!!!

Then & Now: Kathryn Graves

Kathryn Graves: A North Shore Star! 

This shining star has had a strong presence and positive influence on campus, as many of you may know. Kathryn Graves, graduated in May 2014 with her Bachelor's degree, as a double major in English and Communications. As an undergraduate, she was active in various clubs and organizations at Adelphi, such as Circle K International and the Student Government Association. Kathryn also worked as a Peer Assistant Leader and staff member with Campus Recreation.This girl is a fearless leader with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to give back to the community. She is a member of both the English and Communications Honor Societies and has a volunteering record that would blow anyone away! Kathryn was highly qualified for the Community Fellows Program (CFP) and after completing the internship over the summer, she soared straight into a full-time position! This is what we aim to provide at the Center for Career Development - rewarding internships that ensure success and professional growth. 

THEN

Let's check out what Kathryn has to say about her internship experience:

Q: What impact did the Community Fellows Program have on your personal development?

A: Through the Community Fellows Program, I have met so many amazing people throughout the health system. The work experience gave me the confidence to know I love working in Workforce Readiness. In this department, I can make an impact on education, even without being a teacher!

Q: How did interning at your nonprofit impact your career trajectory?

A: Participating in the Community Fellows Program with North Shore-LIJ, I found a career path that I didn’t even know existed. Through this internship, I found a way to use my passion for education to connect industry with education and enhance students’ learning in high schools. I love that I am able to make a positive impact on students’ lives while working to develop a great workforce for future generations. 

Q: Knowing what you know now, what would you say to current students considering applying for this year's Community Fellows?

A: This is the most valuable program that I’ve been involved in throughout my undergraduate career. Do not hesitate to apply! You’re able to take all of the information, processes, and theories you learn in your classes and apply them to the real world, understanding the relevancy of your curriculum. 

Q: What impact did your presence have on the nonprofit where you interned? What about the community it served?

A: I have helped to enable hands-on learning for high school students through on-site visits throughout the health system. Students learn about careers at the Patient Safety Institute, Emergency Medical Services, Bethpage Distribution Center, the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, and numerous other locations throughout the health system.

NOW

Well, the CFP deadline has passed, and applications are now being reviewed! Let Kathryn's story inspire you and follow this link to read more about her experience as an intern and employee. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates, and remember to apply for next Summer!!! 

Then & Now: Stephanie Lerner

Stephanie Lerner: 

CFP is Worthwhile...The Data Doesn't Lie

Stephanie Lerner, a bright, motivated, and talented young lady soared as a CFP and is continuing to excel as she pursues actuarial science. Stephanie began interning at the Women's Fund of Long Island in 2013 and shortly after, joined their Board of Directors as their youngest member. In honor of her passion and dedication to community service, Stephanie received the title, Community Fellow of the Year, in 2013. Can you believe all of this? I can because the Community Fellows Program (CFP) is designed to help YOU achieve YOUR goals and reach YOUR dreams!

As the CFP deadline is approaching (March 9th), we wanted to highlight Stephanie's success and share in her positivity. Below, is the interview that took place with Ms. Lerner and her feedback and advice regarding CFP. Read closely, absorb deeply, and learn feverishly! 

Q: What impact did the Community Fellows Program have on your personal development?

A: The CFP allowed me to discover my passion for community service work and learn of new ways in ways in which I could fulfill it.  Following my internship, I wanted to continue my involvement with the organization at which I had interned, the Women’s Fund of LI.  I attended events and volunteered at their annual breakfast.  I was shortly thereafter asked if I had wished to join the Board of Directors as their youngest board member.  “Absolutely!” I had said.  Never before would I have imagined I could be part of an organization in this way. I was and am truly honored, for now I get to make decisions that make an impact about issues I am passionate about.

Q: How did interning at your nonprofit impact your career trajectory?

A: My internship opened my eyes to ways in which I could apply what I had been learning in my classes to the real world.  As a math major, I had known of few careers in which I could pursue. Surely I could have been a teacher, but I wanted something different. My internship consisted of data analysis, specifically collecting and analyzing data as it related to women and girls on Long Island. I enjoyed every minute of my internship and fell in love with my ability to tell a story with the data I had collected to make a drastic change.  I learned, as a result of my internship, I wanted a career heavily weighted on math and so began my pursuit of a career as an actuary.

Q: Knowing what you know now, what would you say to current students considering applying for this year's Community Fellows?

A: Go outside your comfort zone. Surely keeping your job as a cashier or waiter is the easier route, but it will not allow you to explore all that is out there in the non-profit world. Being a professional is all about keeping yourself on your toes and challenging yourself, and the CFP prepared me greatly for this. Choose an opportunity that is with an organization that has a mission that you support and work that really sparks your interest. Set goals that you want to accomplish in your internship and work with your manager to reach those goals. I guarantee you will enjoy it just like I did!

Q: What impact did your presence have on the nonprofit where you interned? What about the community it served?

A: The data I collected as part of my internship revealed some shocking statistics that was then used to support the need for programs and services in the Long Island community. The data was shared with potential donors, revealing oftentimes their shock at problems happening in their backyards.  The data revealed that there are barriers preventing women and girls from reaching their full potential in regards to their education, employment, and health.  Prior to my work, there was no Long Island specific data relating to women and girls so I was able to bring something to the table that had not previously existed. There is an extreme lack of data on Long Island, and I was able to fulfill this need to help the community realize that problems do exist.

NOW ... 

Stephanie is interning as an Underwriter in the Excess & Surplus Department at Philadelphia Insurance Companies. She attributes much of her success to the CFP and urges you all to apply and chase your dreams!

The application deadline is now March 9th, so get moving and get in your applications! Be sure to check out the details here or on our website at http://career-center.adelphi.edu/ (Employment Opportunities -> Internships -> Community Fellows Program). Please feel free to stop by the Center for Career Development, in Post Hall, and as always, comments are greatly appreciated :) Best of luck in applying! 

Then & Now: Hilda Perez

Hilda Perez: 

Dreaming Big & Chasing Her Dreams

From Make-A-Wish to SAVVY - Marketing for Good, Hilda Perez has been making great strides. She received her B.A. in International Studies and Political Science and went on to complete her Master's degree in Social Entrepreneurship. Currently, Hilda has experience in international development, non-profit, technology, and social entrepreneurship sectors, and expertise in event planning, operations, social media, community management, and communications. From her Community Fellows Program (CFP) Internship, Hilda has crafted her career and has continued along a path of civic service. 

THEN: 

As a bilingual CFP intern, Hilda served the Spanish-speaking community and worked one-on-one with families as a Wish Granting Intern. She believes this made a deep and significant impact on her worldview and influenced her to continue helping the Hispanic community. Hilda reported, "it helped me realize that I wanted to do meaningful work that is innovative and unique." She thanks CFP for granting her in-depth experience and for helping her understand how large non-profit organizations operate.

NOW: 

Hilda has since then founded her own social enterprise, SAVVY - Marketing for Good, and currently operates this non-profit organization which aims at growing social ventures by creating, implementing and measuring marketing activities. Hilda hopes to help other businesses grow sustainably through strategy development and positive impact. She says, "I owe a lot to that summer (CFP) experience on helping me reach this new milestone."

ADVICE:

Hilda says, "DO IT!" She encourages you to take advantage of the incredible opportunity CFP offers and to explore your options! We asked Hilda to expand on her advice and she came back with this: "Do not hesitate to get an internship early on especially with an awesome organization. You can learn a lot from being involved and can make great contacts. Internships have helped me a lot in my career when applying to grad school and jobs later on - it is invaluable experience." So if we cannot convince you to apply for this REWARDING AND ADVANTAGEOUS internship experience, hopefully Hilda can! 

The NEW application deadline is approaching - March 9th. Be sure to check out the details here or on our website at http://career-center.adelphi.edu/ (Employment Opportunities -> Internships -> Community Fellows Program). Please feel free to stop by the Center for Career Development, in Post Hall, for additional information, and as always, thoughts and comments are welcomed!  

Then & Now: Mara Bush

Catching up with Mara Bush

 Mara Bush is a prime example of making the most out of an opportunity. In May 2012, Mara began her career as an intern for Public Access Television (PATV) through the Community Fellows Program. In this role, Mara explains that she “was given the opportunity to take on all phases of television production: shooting footage out in the field, conducting interviews with community members and editing the final project for air, all with little to no supervision.” Not too bad for a woman just finishing up her sophomore year, huh?

Interning at PATV opened many doors for Mara including future internships at ABC News Sports, The View at Disney ABC Television Group and the Nassau County Film Office. Her internship at ABC News Sports led her to the position she currently holds as a Production Associate for ABC News; a position that was lined up and waiting for her following her May 2014 graduation from AU! Talk about every college graduate’s dream situation!

Mara is a clearly a woman who likes to stay busy! As a student involved on campus, she served as the President of Video Club and was a Member of Works in Progress Club and CALIBER Community Service Club. Recognized for her accomplishments, she received to six awards including the “Creativity in Film and Video Award”, “Outstanding President Award” and “Departmental Honors.” Graduating Summa cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA, Mara was inducted into ODK and Lambda Pi Eta Honor Societies. Mara is the ideal, picture-perfect example of hard work paying off.

With the Community Fellows Program, you will see a direct correlation between what you put into the internship compared to what you get out of it. When we asked Mara what she would say to current students considering applying for this year’s Community Fellows Program she responded with, “I say, go for it! It’s an opportunity to work for the unbelievably rewarding nonprofit sector and get paid!  Plus, it makes all the difference to have experience on your resume when applying for future internships and jobs.”

Hopefully Mara’s story has inspired you to follow your dreams by applying for a relevant, PAID internship at a Non-profit organization. As stated above, the Community Fellows Program application is now available and will be coming to a close on March 2nd. So, get involved, explore your options, and be open to embarking on a beautiful, exciting new journey! You can find the application details here, or on our website at http://career-center.adelphi.edu/ (Employment Opportunities -> Internships -> Community Fellows Program). Please feel free to stop by the Center for Career Development, in Post Hall, for additional information. Also, please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below!