On October 11, 2023, the Center for Career Education (CCE) invited undergraduate students and recent alumni interested in careers in social impact, government, non-profit, education, and more to participate in the Fall 2023 Civic & Community Engagement Showcase!
Representatives from FEMA Region 2, Teach For America, The Public Interest Network: Environment America, Green Corps, Student Public Interest Research Groups, Reading Partners, Peace Corps, Uncommon Schools, and the U.S. Department of State spoke about the missions of their organizations, potential career paths within their industries, and shared job, internship and fellowship opportunities within their respective organizations. After the employers’ introductions, students were given the opportunity to connect with employers during an open networking session.
ICYMI, here were the key takeaways from the event:
CREATING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AND ERADICATING INEQUITY
Collaboration among educators and community members is a core component of making an impact. Teach for America representative Juliana McCormick shared the organization’s two-pronged approach to fulfilling their mission. Through their Ignite Fellowship and Teacher Corp programs, they are able to get folks on the ground to mitigate educational inequity. TFA also works to develop a coalition of leaders who are going to go forward to fight for change.
Reading Partners representative Laura Fairlamb (GS 23’), Volunteer Coordinator, highlighted that the organization is motivated to address the extreme literacy crisis in the U.S. Reading Partners works with kids in NYC schools to provide 1:1 reading intervention. When reflecting on her experience, [insert name] noted that she did not have an education background and was still able to bring valuable skills to the organization. They are looking for people who are committed to working in the community and DEIB, problem-solvers, and patient with young learners. Ways to get involved include volunteer opportunities, internships, work-study programs, and full-time roles through AmeriCorps.
Uncommon Schools is a public charter school network whose mission is to close the opportunity gap by providing outstanding education that prepares students to pursue higher education. Clarissa Phillips-Gibbons, Talent Recruiter, shared that the organization is looking for full-time educators who have an interest in continuing their mission. Uncommon Schools are also seeking out non-educators for their finance, data, and operations roles. They are hiring for the next academic year but do have some immediate positions open.
REFLECTING ON YOUR SKILLSET
The FEMA Region 2 team, noted the importance of reflecting on your transferable skills and how you can use them to help people. Other skills that are important to the organization are compassion and one’s willingness to learn. When addressing how to get your foot in the door, the representative talked about their time as a Peace Corps volunteer and how that experience gave them the skills needed to be successful in their current role.
SERVING THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Representative Jemima Radasimalala, Education Program Manager discussed the Peace Corps mission of promoting world peace, better understanding, and friendship. Volunteer opportunities are a two-year commitment and volunteers receive a number of benefits such as student loan assistance, travel benefits, after-service transition funds, and graduate school benefits. In addition to a volunteer’s primary project, there is an opportunity to take on a secondary project that matches the volunteer’s interest and the community’s needs.
COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTALISM
The Public Interest Network brought in representatives to talk about three of their programs that are dedicated to advocating for social change and addressing environmental issues. Environment America is a national network of over 30 state organizations working together to tackle some of the most pressing issues such as transportation, wildlife, climate, and energy. The organization has opportunities for internships and full-time roles where people are able to build skills such as planning campaigns, working with elected officials and legislation, and media communication.
Green Corps offers a year-long environmental training program where participants are able to gain hands-on experience working on environmental campaigns in different areas, learn about issues, and network with Green Corps alumni.
Student Public Interest Research Groups are looking for campus organizers who are dedicated to issues ranging from voting rights to protecting the environment. These groups are hiring over 100 organizers across the country to tackle crucial social and environmental issues.
SHOW YOUR RANGE OF EXPERIENCE
Shawn Tenbrink, Foreign Service Officer from the U.S. Department of State explained the importance of showing your range of experiences. Demonstrating skills like cultural integration, leadership, and management can help you stand out for civil and foreign servant roles within the State Department. Tenbrink also noted that the hiring process from start to finish can last about two years and the test portion is not easy. Tenbrink was a Peace Corps volunteer and attended graduate school before becoming a Foreign Servant Officer. The path to a career in the U.S. Department of State may not be straightforward.
ESSENTIAL TRAITS AND SKILLS FOR SUCCESS IN CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CAREERS
Commitment to Equity and Social Change
Leadership
Cultural Integration
Advocacy
Compassion
Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning
EXPLORE INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC RESOURCES
Schedule an appointment with a career counselor to continue the conversation about exploring careers in civic and community engagement!