August 27, 2009

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1. Thank you for your videos on internships and the importance of learning. We don’t read a lot about them, so I am glad to see it mentioned. I’m a social entrepreneur (you can see my interview in BusinessWeek for background) and think the topic of interns is essential.
   We have more than 10 interns at UniversalGiving™, and we’ve found it to be a very productive experience. It’s our goal to provide them a great work environment, ownership, management guidance and a positive atmosphere. We also do achieve many of our goals through them. It turns out to be very honest, productive and pleasing to both parties.
   To be honest, often people are soulsearching. Some are not sure what they want to do and would like to try out a new skill. Others are ‘trying out’ the nonprofit realm. Many simply need a kind, structured, productive environment while seeking employment. Some just need a break.
   Our solution: We give them all great experience and put them right to work! Even if they decide it is not for them, they have still learned a lot, and we have benefited. We’ve organized the tasks so that they build to our goals. Those who move past “Level 1″ of marketing research, for example, might be advanced to handling marketing partnerships. In essence, whether it is employees, interns or volunteers, good management and proper delegation per each skill level is essential.

   Here are some of the highlights we’ve found in effective Internship Management:
   *We provide a Manager who is willing to guide them.
   *We have specific Business Units, such as Corporate, Development, Marketing, NGO Services, which provides focus. It allows them to gain new skills and for us to execute on priorities.
   *We have a WorkPlan, which allows us to track progress, set deadlines as a team, and achieve goals.
   *We have Job Descriptions. We give them a template; we agree on the responsibilities. They write it so we are sure we are on the same page.
   *We provide free, catered lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with free coffee, pretzels and snacks.
   *With solid work, we provide recommendations and references from the CEO.

   Often our interns are a feeder to employment: They might “graduate” to consultant and then to employee. We see this often. It allows both parties the opportunities to see not only if the skills fit, but also if the values fit. All good team relationships are built step-by-step, working day by day, with mutual goals and aspirations. Internships allow us to get to know the interns and vice versa. Rather than try to determine a good fit by interviews (and some people are great at interviewing, but not necessarily great for the job), we both get practical experience.
   My view is that UniversalGiving (http://www.universalgiving.org) wouldn’t be the same without our interns. They bring joy, enthusiasm, good work ethic, positive attitudes, execution and new ideas.
   Sincerely, Pamela

   Pamela Hawley
   Founder and CEO
   UniversalGiving™

   Comment by Pamela Hawley — September 25, 2009 @ 4:38 pm

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