SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
My internship story started two years ago. Do not worry; it does not take this long to get an internship!
In my case, it started two years ago, because that was when I first heard about the Step Up Women's Network. One of my co-workers at the time just attended a Step Up event and she was absolutely impressed with them. So I decided to go to their website and I liked what I saw.
I have a long history with non-profits and especially with those that serve women and children. Step Up was born out of a woman's need for support when her mother was diagnosed with cancer and then became a network of women professionals, who use their resources to empower and educate underserved girls. Their story and mission resonated with me, so for the next two years I stayed in touch through regular newsletters and occasionally attending an event.
When it was time to think about internships, I naturally thought of Step Up. I contacted their Marketing Director, Alissa Zito and we agreed to talk on the phone. My interview with Alissa felt more like a conversation with an old friend, because I already knew about the organization, I loved and supported their mission, plus I had the experience that they needed.
I had the option of working partly from home, but I wanted to be there in the office, where the action was. And now I am glad I did so because I gained a lot!
The staff were so dedicated and so involved that it was hard not to get inspired. Although each person had their individual role, they all worked as a team with one goal in mind: to help these underserved girls stay in school and learn marketable skills. But as you might know, working in non-profit is not easy.
The organization depends on volunteers, sponsors, speakers that donate their time and sometimes it is difficult to get them. Luckily, Step Up has been around for ten years and they already have relationships and systems in place. But the unexpected happens anyway. So when things got crazy or did not work out, all we had to do is look on the walls of the office at the pictures and stories of the girls that were counting on us and then the energy would come right back.
The most rewarding part of my experience there was hearing from some of the girls how much their lives have been impacted by Step Up. Even now, that they have finished the program, they still come to the office for events or sometimes just to talk to the staff.
One girl, who grew up in South Central Los Angeles and who came close to abandoning school many times, was now in college. Another girl who always wanted to be a photographer was learning about the profession with the help of a Step Up mentor.
It is impossible not to be moved by stories like these! And Step Up is a gift that keeps on giving. These girls now have a chance at a career and when the time comes, their children will in turn have a chance at a better life.
Learn More
Interested in the Graziadio Social Enterprise Internship Program? MBAs wishing to apply and organizations seeking to get involved may contact careerresources@pepperdine.edu or (310) 506-4106.
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