By Darla Martin Tucker

The benefit worked both ways this fall quarter, for students who served as first-ever interns at the United Way of the Inland Valleys, and for the agency which drew upon their recommendations.

Twelve La Sierra University graduate and undergraduate business students served as account executives for the Riverside-based United Way office, in a practicum that began on Sept. 4 and ended with a wrap-up session about their experiences on Dec. 13. Their internships were in fulfillment of a Practicum in Management course at La Sierra’s School of Business.

It was the first time the United Way in Riverside had hosted student interns and the experience proved a positive one for the organization. “It was Jim Erickson’s [course instructor] idea and we loved it. We hope the students found it worthwhile,” said Kevin McCarthy, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of the Inland Valleys. The students’ impact was “huge” in broadening the agency’s reach to potential donors. The organization is analyzing the students’ recommendations, he said.

After undergoing a two-day training course that focused on public speaking, financial functions of the agency, confidentiality issues and campaign processes, the students each worked about 10 hours a week handling various responsibilities. They made calls to prospective donor organizations and gave presentations to employees at businesses, schools and hospitals on the benefits of contributing to the agency. They collected and verified pledge amounts and interacted with the agency’s finance department.

La Sierra Master of Business Administration student Edgar Rodriguez developed real-world experience giving presentations to increasingly large groups, ending with a pitch to 100 school teachers. While he had given many class presentations as a student, this was something different and provided valuable experience. “I came out feeling I had actually learned something,” said the future marketing executive. Rodriguez’s career goal is to lead a marketing department within the international automotive industry.

Rodriguez’s tasks at United Way included creating Excel spreadsheets. One involved a 20-hour project that breaks down all the funding the agency receives to show regions that provide the most donations or to show areas where representatives are giving more presentations.

During his practicum, Rodriguez was impacted by the sincerity of the United Way staff. His supervisor shared personal stories and reasons for working with the agency. “You feel people there care and whatever they’re doing is going to make a difference,” he said.

Rodriguez recommended the agency set up a sign-in system detailing work projects and availability so that supervisors can ask interns and others for help during ‘down’ time.

Erickson, who is also director of La Sierra’s Center for Philanthropy and a well-known regional fundraiser, was impressed with the students’ work and views they were able to provide the United Way. “I was so proud of them,” he said. “They achieved more than I thought and they had such insight and perspectives.” The practicum not only gave the students key experience for their resumes, “more importantly, they gave back to the community in a significant way,” Erickson said.

PR Contact: Larry Becker
Executive Director of University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
951.785.2460 (voice)

Based on their class reports, the interns received much more. Here are some of the comments the students made:

“The United Way internship was a great learning experience and helped me to see a side of a non-profit operation I would have been otherwise blind to.” Logan Dirksen

                       
“I would recommend taking this [internship] opportunity to anyone in their last year of either a business degree or an MBA - even if you do not plan to go into the non-profit field.”Edgar Rodriguez

“After our training, I was excited because I learned a lot about United Way and what they really do in our community…Overall, I had an amazing experience at this internship because I was able to be a helping hand in this campaign for our community… I think that the internship went well thanks to the guidance from United Way staff. I am more than willing to work with them in the future as I share the same goals: to give, advocate, and volunteer to advance the common good.” Meshach Faaeteete

"The opportunity to work with United Way of the Inland Valleys this quarter has been an unforgettable experience for me. It is evident that there is a strong sense of encouragement and respect within the organization…Meeting with the Employee Campaign Managers at the schools was very fulfilling and their friendly dispositions made the visits enjoyable.  I felt more connected to what I was doing and to the supporters in the community.”Courtney Yamanishi 

  
“Working as an account manager has given me the opportunity to gain real life work experience with a non-profit organization. I’m so happy that I got to work with an organization that has a very important impact in our local community and see what it takes to raise funds to be able to provide valuable programs and services to those who truly need it.”Lorena Alvarez

“Not knowing a lot of information about United Way in the beginning, having the opportunity to learn and have a ‘hands on feel’ of what they do daily made the experience that much more enjoyable for me. I had a great experience being an Account Manager for United Way and learned a lot about non-profit organizations and what they do…Even though the internship is over, I will always be a [supporter] of United Way.  I want to thank every one of the staff members, especially Jim Erickson and Kevin McCarthy, for giving us the opportunity to be part of this wonderful experience.” Conrad Malivert

“Overall, it was a great learning experience for me, as well as eye opening. I am very thankful for the opportunity and trust we [received] to handle such important responsibilities for the organization.” Silvia Arteaga