Justice for 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!