Public Leadership Scholars Program
Practicum Review
What Did I Do?
For my Practicum I took PLCY213. The class was about how nonprofits are viewed as an essential feature of democracy. We learned about different types of nonprofit organizations and the range of different abilities and strategies they employ. We learned how societal change occurs and even covered the downside of nonprofit organizations. In the end we were able to think systematically about issues with the sector and how individuals can fit into this complex landscape.
What Did I Learn?
I learned to think critically about the nonprofit sector and analyze the opportunities, as well as limitations, in this ever changing sector of organizations, activities, and strategies. I also learned more about myself, and how my own values and experiences with social change might allow myself to create connections between volunteering, philanthropy, and even career choices.
How Have I Grown?
I chose to upload my Final Memo assignment because I thought it was a great representation of all the things we learned within the class. I wrote to Jeff Bezos, telling him all the things that I believe he should know before investing in a Nonprofit Organization. I also thought this paper was really interesting given I have never written in a memo format before, and so the style was very different from what I’m normally used to. The paper discusses how he should go about creating change, how he should understand the sector, and the different organizations he may encounter - presenting him options as to which he can use his fortune on.
What Can I Apply to Life?
This class was the first time I was introduced to a B-Corp, or better known, a Business Corporation. Upon first learning about this, I instantly fell in love. A business corporation is essentially the perfect combination of the nonprofit and for profit sector. They employ the use of a double or triple bottom line in order to focus on making a profit, and helping the community. Whether it’s a focus on the environment, social justice, or the law, all these for profit businesses are trying to make a difference in the world, and I would love to do that upon graduation. I’ve already made a plan for how to go about getting hired at B-Corp, thanks to my final paper in CPPL200!
What Are My Future Plans?
I am currently a Marketing Major with a Minor in Nonprofits and Social Innovation, as well as participating in the PL Scholars Program. I also plan to add a Management double major, as well as an Entrepreneurship Minor, and participate in the Marketing Fellowship Program. All of these degrees will help me learn more about marketing and the business world in order to work at a company that will let me provide for my family and make a difference in the world. I don’t know what B-Corp or organization I want to work for, I just know I want to be the difference I want to see in the world, and I hope I’ll be able to do this through my future career.
How Will I Incorporate What I've learned For Work?
To the right I’ve uploaded my actual resume and cover letter that I recently used to apply for an internship! When it comes to PL there’s a plethora of different things I’ve learned that I can apply to a job or position that I’m interested in. I’ve been able to develop real life skills that will help me succeed in the workforce. I’ve learned how to be a leader whether it’s in a formal or informal setting, when it’s right to stand up, and even how to deal with tough situations and bad leadership. Furthermore, just being in Public Leadership Scholars has prepared me more for interviews, networking, and simple communication between teammates. It’s made me more confident, less anxious, and most of all, a better person.