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I haven’t posted in quite a long time, so this isn’t going to be your “typical” Justice for All blog post. Instead, I’m going to ramble on about my thoughts. Please bear with me, people!

First of all, I want to say I’m sorry! I don’t think this blog is all that popular, but I’m still sorry to anyone who follows these posts. I’ve just been incredibly busy with schoolwork, my senior thesis (my first draft is due very soon…too soon! I’m completely freaking out.), my school activities, and job hunting/flying across the country for interviews. It’s all getting to be a bit much, and I simply have put this blog aside for the time being. I think my sanity is a bit more important, as is figuring out what I’m going to be doing after graduation. The application and interviewing process is incredibly tiring, and I haven’t even really gotten started yet! This is absolutely insane, and I’m simply trying my hardest and praying to get my dream opportunities.

I’m also getting a bit “disillusioned” with this entire blogging and social media business. There are days when I just want to make this anonymous and get rid of my Twitter, Tumblr, and any other social media platform I post on. Why? I’m tired of the game of “personal branding.” I’m tired of people, including myself, focusing on pumping out online content without putting in the same effort into achieving change or results offline. I’m tired because I don’t want to have a resume full of fluff, and no real accomplishments. I’m very ambitious - I have great dreams to better the world, and to change the status quo. Part of this certainly is increasing awareness of human rights online, but this, I have realized, is a very minute part of my “mission,” if you will. Far more important for me is actually doing good work to ensure that I’m making a difference in some concrete manner. I’m tired of trying to change people’s minds online. To be honest, there is no way in which some random stranger reading my blog will suddenly start caring about human rights or development issues. No way. People gravitate towards content they already care about. The people who read this blog already care. Those who don’t care simply aren’t going to start caring by reading this blog. I’m pretty much preaching to the choir. What am I accomplishing by doing that? Maybe, instead, I should dedicate my time and efforts to some way in which I can achieve concrete change. If I volunteered for every hour I used to spend on my blog, I’m pretty sure that would be way more beneficial to the world. I’m not saying I’m going to stop blogging, but I am cautioning against putting so much effort into something that does not yield many concrete benefits to the world.

Finally, I’ve also been thinking quite a bit about my own role in this vast world. Perhaps this existentialist crisis of sorts stems from my current status as a graduating senior, seeking to make sense of her next steps. As I plan to jump into the real world, I have to have a clear sense of what I want to accomplish, what I want to work towards — what my ultimate goal is. Is my ultimate goal a world where torture does not exist? A world without poverty? One where each individual is guaranteed access to legal representation? Or perhaps, one in which the global South has joined India and China on the developmental path (i.e. high growth rates, “pro-poor” growth)? One in which there is no more violent conflict? Of these multitudes of questions, which one is the real one I seek to answer and dedicate my life path towards?

Since I’m currently taking a class called “Aid, Governance and Development in Africa,” the question about growth rates jumps out at me. It seems like the ultimate question we as human beings have to grapple with is the question: why are some countries rich and some countries poor? What happened in between to allow some countries to achieve high growth rates, ultimately resulting in high development and low poverty rates — while others have been left behind to struggle with stagnant or even decreasing growth? How can we ensure that ultimately, all developing countries are able to consistently achieve levels of growth high enough such that they are slowly but surely able to reduce poverty and stay on the “train” to development?

But I’ve realized that this question is so immense and so vast, and so important, that while I can dedicate my life to it, I’m not going to. Why not? I can’t. I’m not a development economist, and I don’t intend to be solely a scholar. Simply put, economics and statistics isn’t my biggest strength. But whoever you are - if you’re reading this, and you’re out there - please listen. If you’re good at math, please take up this question. Dedicate your life to it. We need to solve this question of paramount importance in order for humanity to survive, and I want you, anonymous person out there reading this, to study this.

Since my strengths really do lie in writing and the legal arena, I think this is the cause I will take up. I know it’s a peripheral cause. I know that economic growth can help solve problems related to human rights and related to the development of legal systems. But, I will take up this secondary cause nonetheless. Why? I know the formula economic growth isn’t going to be cracked anytime soon. In the meantime, it makes sense to dedicate effort to ensuring that all men, women, and children have access to justice and are safe from the vagaries of a malfunctioning justice system. If I can go through my life knowing I have made some contribution to this area, perhaps it will be enough — even if I know I haven’t altered the underlying structures allowing poverty and human rights violations to occur (i.e. economic growth or lack thereof).

So, that was a brief snapshot of what’s going through my mind. There’s the big picture things - like which question should I dedicate myself to? And the detailed little things - like finding a job.

Again, I’m sorry this post isn’t incredibly thorough or eloquent or peppered with statistics about some human rights violation. But what it is, is directly from the heart. From my addled brain directly to this blank Wordpress page. I haven’t forgotten my dear blog, and I will return to it soon. Until then, cheers! Don’t forget about me either.

There is a lot of talk of personal branding these days: is it good or bad? How can you build a network of people who respect your personal brand? How can you join a group of people with the same interests to help you make professional connections?

But while we are busy trying to carve an online space for ourselves and create a community of supporters who rally around our “brand”, we forget that the online space we inhabit is also continuously is defining us - and indeed, changing us in ways simultaneously subtle and not-so-subtle.

For instance, when I first got into social media - Twitter, blogging and the like - I was interested, yes, in human rights issues. But the interest was not as full blown of a passion as it is now. Why the change? I attribute much of it to the network I tapped into, which in turn started shaping me.

I began following more and more human rights activists, non-profit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and others in the social space. As I began following people incredibly passionate about bettering the world, it made me a better person. I tapped into these networks, engaged in conversations, and sat back and listened to some of the smartest people in the world debate issues in the human rights, social change, and development arena. And by becoming part of the conversation, I became more and more passionate about these issues myself.

Social media, the blogosphere, and Twitter helped me find my singular passion. Before Twitter, there were always many ideas and many interests swirling around in my head. But after I began actively engaging on Twitter, I learned more fundamentally, who I was. By choosing who to “follow” and dedicate my brain space to — and by choosing who to “unfollow” and ignore — I realized what I personally cared about most. What issues, careers, and industries resonated with me the most.

Social media made me a better person. By surrounding myself by people who genuinely cared, and not only that, cared in an intelligent manner (and yes, there is a distinction) — I began caring more. And more intelligently.

What’s true in real life is also true on the web. Surround yourself with good, smart people, and you will become more like them. Your friends can exert a positive influence on you and make you a better person, or you can fall into bad company and go downhill.

This may sound overdramatic to you, but I swear it’s not. Some people are born knowing what they want to do: be a doctor, a lawyer, an accountant even. They are lucky. I’ve never been that way. I have always had too many interests to narrow down to a single career that would define who I was for the rest of my life (a scary thought, right?). My passions didn’t always fit into the traditional career path. Social media helped me jump into the conversation and find what I really wanted. By finding many more outside my small real-life social circle doing exactly what I loved for a living, I felt my career interests to be validated. I found the courage to follow my heart, knowing that many others out there were also doing so, and sometimes breaking free of societal constraints in the process.

You don’t just create an online network that mirrors your own traits — your online network defines you, and even has the power to change you fundamentally.

Are you engaging with people who make you stronger, more brave, more caring, more intelligent, more informed?

Do you push yourself to join networks that challenge you to be better and to achieve your dreams?

Stop tweeting about what you had for breakfast, or your horrible job. Start conversations with those who intimidate you, with those who you breathlessly admire. Be bold. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get there too.

How does your online community define and shape who you are?

The Be the Change blog series is coming to an end. I have one final guest post coming up on Friday — and then will be wrapping up the series! I’ve been incredibly impressed and completely blown away with the participation in this series. So, a great big thank you to all those who have participated, written blog posts for the series, or commented to join the discussion.

Now, I don’t want the conversation about social change to end, and I want you all to continue talking about these important issues well into the future. I know talking about it and discussing issues online isn’t necessarily equal to action, but I hope that by having these discussions, some of you out there will be motivated to take real action of your own. I hope that what you learn from these debates will better inform you so that when you do take action, you will do what is effective, and you will do it with the appropriate mindset/intentions.

The good news is - you have an outlet to continue this conversation! I was extremely honored (and excited!) when Elisa Doucette asked me to co-moderate the #ypsc Twitter chat with her! #ypsc stands for Young Professionals for Social Change. Every Thursday at 9 PM EST, we’ll be holding the #ypsc Twitter chat and we want all of YOU to join in and contribute your thoughts to the discussion. Last week, we talked about some basic issues - like the strengths of non-profit organizations, and the motivation behind working for NGOs. Tomorrow, we’ll be discussing fundraising for social change organizations (for-profit or non-profit).

To follow the Twitter chat, all you have to do is search “#ypsc” in the Twitter search bar. Keep that window open to follow the convo and to join in. If you use other clients like Tweetdeck, you can also start a different column to follow the hashtag. If you need any help or have any questions on how to join the discussion, don’t hesitate to contact me. Send me a tweet or DM - I’m at @akhilak!

I hope to see some familiar “faces” (or twitter avatars?) at the chat tomorrow! I’ll leave you with a couple of questions: Do you have any questions you think we should ask, related to non-profit fundraising? More broadly, do you have any suggestions for topics you really want to discuss in the future? Let me know! Can’t wait to chat with you all!

I’m a strong proponent of studying or working abroad, especially for college students in the U.S. who can afford the experience. I’m incredibly lucky, because this year - as a junior in college - I’ve had the absolutely amazing opportunity to study abroad at the London School of Economics (LSE) for the entire school year. Before I left for England, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be gaining too much out of studying abroad considering I was headed to an English speaking country whose culture is admittedly not all that different from American culture. Would I be getting enough out of the experience without language immersion, without suddenly jumping into a wholly unfamiliar situation? Would the similarities between the U.S. and the U.K. really make this learning experience less than extraordinary?

But really, I needn’t have worried at all. True, perhaps I didn’t substantially improve my Spanish skills or live with a host family. Perhaps I didn’t learn too many local customs and traditions, especially since most of my friends are international students. But I learned so much this year that it’s literally changed the way I view the world around me. London is probably one of the most internatonal cities in the world. The student body of LSE, especially, is composed of about 60% international students. This means that I haven’t befriended too many British kids, but instead I’ve met students from all over: Germany, Norway, China, Korea, Colombia, Slovakia, India, Italy, Pakistan, Kenya, Portugal, and of course dear old America. And, as a testament to the international focus of LSE, all my classes include case studies about different countries around the world. I’ve covered issues like economic history in Argentina and Brazil, democratization in Iran and Southern Europe, and economic development in India and Indonesia. I’ve also been so lucky to have the chance to travel: Greece, Spain, Ireland, and Scotland have been my destinations throughout the year.

And you know what? This year in London changed my life. Prior to studying at LSE, I had a much more limited knowledge of critical global issues. I was intending to focus on American government and politics through my political science major, and was hoping to attend law school in the U.S. To be sadly honest, I was much less interested in what was going on in far off places than in domestic politics and issues. But after talking with students about their experiences in Uganda, or Vietnam, or about Norwegian politics - and after traveling so much and becoming something of a nomad - I can’t stop thinking about international issues and development. There is such a vast body of knowledge to be gained by looking beyond the boundaries of America, and I feel the urge to know, learn, and act on this. Studying abroad has opened my eyes - but most importantly, it’s made me feel like a global citizen. Of course, I’m still proud to be an American citizen; but more than that, I’m proud to feel a strong connection and commitment to the world as a whole.

A lot of the undergraduates I’ve met at LSE are older. In Europe, it’s actually very common for students to take a gap year (or years!) after graduating from high school in order to volunteer or work abroad, especially in the developing world. I know students who have gone to Africa and Southeast asia after high school to work in international development and teaching english. Why is it so uncommon in the U.S.? If I had been able to work abroad before entering college, I’d probably have a much clearer idea of my interests and passions, as well as a sense of humility and global citizenship. I’d probably have gained a lot more out of my undergraduate experience if I had worked abroad beforehand. More students need to start having and taking advantage of such opportunities; if not before college, at least during college, or as a gap year after college.

Now, I know not everyone has the financial means or opportunities to go abroad. That’s why I want to highlight an innovative new non-profit organization, Global Citizen Year.

Global Citizen Year is a non-profit organization which is building a movement of young Americans who engage in a transformative “bridge year” between high school and college.  Through an innovative cross-sector model that partners with high schools and colleges in the US, and NGOs around the world, we create opportunities for emerging leaders to work as apprentices in Asia, Africa and Latin America.  By providing intensive training and support, we ensure that our Fellows develop an ethic of service, the ability to communicate across languages and cultures, and a deep commitment to becoming agents for social change.

I think this is what our country really needs. When we young Americans live and work abroad - especially in the developing world, we gain something absolutely invaluable: perspective. We learn to view ourselves as privileged, lucky to have the opportunities we’re afforded. And we learn to feel connected to the world around us - something that we can’t gain from the skewed news reporting, media, and popular culture in the U.S. There’s a sense of disconnect from the globe, that we’re fine in our own little bubble. I hope that Global Citizen Year can change this and play a vital role in changing the perspectives of the young Americans who will grow up to be our country’s leaders.

Picture credit: JPJ Mag

Since I’ve recently been applying to and interviewing with various nonprofits for a summer internship related to law & human rights, I’ve decided to share some tips for other undergraduates who are interested in getting into the nonprofit field.

1. Don’t wait for nonprofits to come to you — you have to go to them.

This is not i-banking or consulting, where there are constant on campus presentations, career fairs, and interviews. Many nonprofits don’t have the capacity to advertise or recruit on your campus. Thus, browsing through  your Career Center job listings isn’t going to do much. Sure, your Career Center will have a few nonprofit jobs, but if you really want to find something you love, you need a lot more choices. This means you have to take the initiative to research on your own the top organizations in your field. Check out websites like idealist.org for comprehensive listings, as well as helpful guides on working in the nonprofit sector. Read this great post at SchizoFrenetic with websites and resources for the nonprofit job hunt. Find nonprofits you like and go directly to their website. I found most of my summer internship possibilities by just going to organizations’ websites and checking their online job postings.

2. Nonprofit application deadlines are usually later - but don’t wait.

Application deadlines for nonprofits are generally between February and May. BUT - the earlier you apply the better! Sit down during your winter break and make a list of internships you want to apply for. Apply in January and February. This is because 1) employers will see that you are enthusiastic about applying, 2) many deadlines are rolling so you want to get your application in first, 3) you can find an internship faster and finalize your plans, and 4) if you start the process early you might find one or two positions you like with an early deadline - in which case you are in good shape to apply for them ASAP.

3. In cover letters and interviews, emphasize your passion.

Nonprofits want people who are genuinely passionate about the work they do. It’s not enough to be highly skilled - you have to be passionate about the organization’s mission, vision, program areas, and general work. Your cover letter’s your chance to show this. Tailor your cover letter to every position and emphasize that you are passionate about the organization’s mission; describe how your goals align with the field and show that you understand the nonprofit’s work. Likewise, in an interview show your excitement about the organization.

4. Do your homework.

Before the interview, make sure you research the organization and know their policies, viewpoints, and programs. In an interview with a women’s rights organization I was asked about my opinion on prostitution! If I had said the wrong thing, I would have gone against much of the organization’s work and ideology. So know what you’re talking about and know what you’re getting into - it will serve you well.

5. During the interview, ask questions.

Recruiters say the biggest mistake made during interviews is to not ask questions. After the interviewer finishes asking you questions, he or she will usually ask if you have any questions for them. It’s a huge mistake to say no. So make sure you come prepared with a list of intelligent questions. And even better, weave some questions into your interview - don’t let it become a one-way Q&A session. Interviews should be conversations, so make sure to feel comfortable and make your interviewer feel comfortable as well. You should be finding out what you need to know about the organization and your position. It’s should be a mutually beneficial exchange.

6. Expect an unpaid internship, but do it anyway. Try to get a summer internship grant or funding through your university.

You probably know already - but working in nonprofits is not, well, profitable. But you know what? You should still take an unpaid internship: you’ll gain significant experience, networking skills, and an insight into potential career paths. Moreover, many nonprofits - especially smaller ones - rely on interns to do a lot of substantial work, so you will really have the opportunity to get your hands dirty.

Since you won’t be able to pay even your daily expenses if you plan on moving to a new city or country for your summer job, search for funding. Many universities have some sort of summer grant programs for students taking unpaid internships. Seek out these opportunities and talk to your advisers about them. If this isn’t possible, make sure you’re ready to either pay out of your pocket or to take a part-time job to pay the bills.

7. Start a blog. Writing about issues relevant to your interest and field.

Starting a blog taught me so much about human rights and international justice issues. Writing here has definitely forced me to keep up to date with the latest news and has helped me connect to others with similar interests. So start a blog because you will learn much more about what you’re interested in. You will create a personal brand. You will network with like-minded individuals, have discussions and debates, and get valuable career tips from others. An employer might google you, and when you brand yourself you can make sure they see the best of you - your personality and passion, which just can’t be conveyed through a page long resume.

8. Don’t expect a full-time job offer afterwards.

Many students who enter more traditional fields can expect their internship to eventually lead to a job offer after graduation. But in nonprofits, there is no such guarantee. That being said, make the most out of your summer experience. You will come away with valuable experience and perhaps more importantly, contacts who can help you find your next job!

Please drop me a comment if you can think of any other helpful tips for students! And if you liked this post, please subscribe for free to receive updates!