Right now, I’m just floating on a cloud of excitement, hope, and anticipation. I’ve been offered a summer internship in Geneva in one of my favorite organizations, a young and innovative non-profit working to combat torture and human rights violations in the developing world. What is so exciting about this organization is that they really combine human rights and law with innovation — my two favorite “fields” and topics in one!
I just read over my job description again, and it sounds incredibly enticing. This summer I’ll get to combine my interest in social media and social entrepreneurship with my interest in human rights. Two things I have always loved are: writing, and the Internet. And today’s amazing technology makes it possible to pursue these passions professionally. During my internship, I will build connections with various blogs and websites related to criminal justice and human rights, leverage social media for marketing and advertising purposes, tell the stories of those working to improve legal rights in developing world, and work on the branding of the organization’s website and newsletter.
I’ll get to learn from and meet people I really admire, and be surrounded by a diverse team of lawyers, students, business professionals and entrepreneurs. I’ll gain important insights into the worlds of innovation, social media, human rights, and criminal justice law — all things I am incredibly excited about. But most of all, this is my ideal job - it allows me to use my skills and pursue my various passions, all at once. I am shocked that my “ideal” position actually exists, floating out there somewhere in the internship-verse.
But this never would have happened had I not been willing to put myself out there and think outside the box. Before I even decided to apply for an internship at this organization, I had fallen in love with the amazing work they do and wanted to join in somehow. I decided to go ahead and attempt to start a student club advocating for them, so that I could somehow contribute to their great efforts. I wrote up a quick proposal of my idea of a “student arm” and sent it in.
A few days later, I was shocked (and delighted) to actually hear a response. They were actually keen on helping me start a student club for them, but they also encouraged me to apply for their internships. I applied, and got an interview. My interviewer definitely remembered my proposal, which showed my genuine interest - and I got the internship! The fact that I had shown initiative and true passion made a huge difference, especially to a nonprofit aiming to do something innovative.
So when you’re looking for a job or internship - take a risk. Don’t just be the typical candidate. Be different. Go for something you love, and the rest will really follow. It seems cliche, but it worked for me - and I think that’s what it boils down to: passion and creativity. So take that risk and go for it, and soon enough it will pay off.
Next up: tips for students on how to get an internship at a nonprofit!
Image credit: shesjack
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