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INTERN PROFILE: Rebecca Berry
Background
When I started my internship with Impact Capital, I was interested in learning more about nonprofit organizations. I also hoped to refresh my administrative skills with familiarity of new software and applications as it had been a few years since I worked in an office.
I was a second-year Public Administration graduate student, and at the time wasn’t sure whether I wanted to work in government or the nonprofit sector of public service. It’s obvious that one pays more than the other, and my enormous school debt was clouding my judgment.
I had previous exposure with nonprofits as a volunteer for Family Law CASA of King County for nearly 7 years, and I loved it. I had also worked in a couple nonprofit organizations, and in a few local government agencies. In addition, I previously worked in several private sector positions including legal secretary and assistant, but knew that was not where I wanted to be.My Experience at Impact Capital
The experience I found with Impact Capital focused my attention, finally! The culture of the office is slightly different than those in private or government environments. Here, everyone is pleased to be working towards an admirable mission. There is not a sense of being a cog in a larger machine;
everyone’s contribution is important to the administering of the office and mission.
Seeing the difference Impact Capital has made in the local community -- my community -- is great! Meeting with clients who have benefited from low- to no-interest loans and support really puts into perspective that what you do in the office reaches and benefits people.
Although the office operates in a formal manner, there is a comfortable feeling about the environment. Everyone has a smile or good morning when I arrive. There is a liveliness about working here that is hard to find in other offices. It doesn’t feel like anyone is staring at the clock – this enhances the environment, and the projects at hand.
ProjectsI had the opportunity to work on press releases, which involved meeting with clients and reporting on their “Success Story.” I also conducted research for potential grants by searching and profiling foundations and organizations. I utilized my creativity by assisting with event planning, and learned some fundamentals about office software.
Outcome of InternshipOverall, I enjoyed my internship with Impact Capital! My confusion between government and nonprofit has been cleared, and I have discovered that I will trade in the financial comfort of local and state government agencies for the comfort of a fulfilling, rich, and dynamic nonprofit organization.
I’ve also discovered that I’d like to pursue a position in nonprofit development. My strongest skills include research, writing, communication, and event planning. Before coming here, those characteristics existed separately without purpose. Now, I have found a path to follow and I was able to gain valuable experience to forge that path!Do you want to intern with Impact Capital? Here's this intern’s two cents …
Try your hand at any project as it may teach you that you love it and fits well with you. But equally as important, it may also help by showing you what you don’t want to do, and you can travel a different path as a result. Good luck!
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