Meet Jesse. He’s a member of our Engagement Team and he rarely forgoes the opportunity to suit up – more often than not, he’s best-dressed in the office. Credit that to his mom and the online tie borrowing club he’s a member of. But enough about the suit and tie. Let’s get down to the business at hand.
Jesse interacts daily with our supporters and chances are, if you’ve called our office over the last two months, you’ve spoken to him. He’s an integral part of a team of interns who day after day provide our supporters with information about our organization and the LRA conflict. Plus, they’re just plain nice to talk to. I recently sat down with Jesse to find out more about life as an Engagement intern. Here’s what the Nor-Cal native had to say:
What does a typical day as an Engagement Intern look like?
I get started by checking emails and answering any voicemails. This month we’ve been working on stewardship calls. It’s been really cool calling our donors and thanking them. I love hearing the surprise in their voice when they realize you’re not asking for more money but just thanking them for being a supporter. I enjoy getting to connect with them on that level.
What sets your internship apart from others and what impact are you able to make in your specific role?
I’ve worked at a number of different places and working at Invisible Children is completely different from all of them. I’ve never worked in an environment like this, and I don’t think there is anything like it. I’m not working towards a promotion or a paycheck, I’m working towards a mission and everyone is on the same page.
What’s one thing that you’ve learned at Invisible Children that you’ll carry with you after your internship is over?
I’ve learned that your environment is what you make it. Things won’t happen unless you put an effort forth, and with Invisible Children everyone is putting forth that effort to make this a great environment. It’s the way a community should function.
In one sentence, why do you love working for Invisible Children?
I’ve never experienced a community like this that can work so hard on something that is so real and an issue that’s so dark and still have fun and enjoy the work they do.
What advice would you give a future intern?
A lot of people applied for your position and you were chosen for a reason, so don’t go into it thinking that you have to prove yourself. Prove yourself, but do it humbly.
Invisible Children is all about community. What’s it like working and living with other interns?
It’s incredible. I am fully confident that I am living and working with some of the greatest people I’ll ever meet. I couldn’t be happier.
Good news. We’re looking for inspiring individuals like Jesse to join our Summer 2013 Engagement team. If you’d like to learn more about how you can be a part of the team this summer, you can find a full job description and application on our website. The deadline to apply is March 15th. Suit and tie are optional.
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