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Please note that the views of our interns do not represent the views of PLEN as an organization.

Working in the Non-Profit Sector? Is it for me?

My name is Preethi Varma and I worked as a PLEN office intern this past summer.  I am a 3^rd year at University of Virginia majoring in Public Policy and Gender Studies. I’ve always been interested in working in Washington, D.C. The hub of no nonsense politics was where I always wanted to be.  That being said, I received an eye-opening internship with PLEN, a small non-profit organization in the heart of Farragut Square. The skills I learned at PLEN will be with me throughout my career endeavors, and the insight on our nation’s capital will stay with me for a lifetime.

My day as an intern first consisted of me trudging along in the DC metro which allowed me to write a number of notable #metroprobs via twitter. (That was quite the experience). Every morning I was greeted by the wonderful PLEN staff members and interns who were from all around the country. Then, I delved into numerous research and outreach tasks for the staff members. These tasks generally involved looking at potential corporate sponsors, prepping a brief summary before a meeting, and even researching the benefits of using Pinterest as a marketable online platform.

Aside from my metro adventures, I learned that non-profits along with governmental agencies are what DC is run on. The little things that are done, really is what matters. However, non-profits are often overshadowed by strong governmental agencies and corporations. As a PLEN intern, I was truly able to gain the experience within the non-profit sector. For those interested in the non-profit sector or simply influencing social change, here are three things I have learned this past summer that might be helpful to you.

1. Social media is a wonderful tool. Period. AND for the most part, it’s free; use it. I helped create the Pinterest account for PLEN, and it turns out that an overwhelming amount of Pinterest users is the group that PLEN wishes to target. Who knew? I also started a personal Twitter, Pinterest and a LinkedIn account this past summer. It seems like a lot but these are new tools that we MUST make the most of in order for people to acknowledge different issues or causes.
2. That being said, social networking whether it is online or in person is a skill that is needed in every profession. I believe those who succeed in the non-profit industry are those who are the best at social networking.
3. Celebrate the small victories. PLEN is small, yet well-known throughout DC. It took 35 years of small victories for PLEN to get where it is now. For example, I was ecstatic to find out that our Pinterest will be launched as a new marketing tool for PLEN. It is nice to know that I was part of a small outreach initiative that might attract even more PLEN members and attendees in our near future. Consequently, bringing more college women to DC.

I believe the non-profit sector is very important. It is a needed sector with some of the most passionate and patient individuals who work often for little or no compensation.  It’s an area that requires a tremendous amount of patience and flexibility and I truly admire anyone who decides to pursue the nonprofit industry. The skills that one learns in this area are skills that transcend any profession. But is the non-profit sector for me? After a great summer, I just don’t see myself in a career working in a non-profit organization. Just not right now, maybe in the future? I have a tremendous amount of passion toward social change, and I wish to see if these non-profit skills and ambition will be transferable to governmental agencies and corporations. In other words, I just wish to gain more exposure to different industries in Washington, D.C.

From what I learned this past summer, the nonprofit industry is propelled by two things; ambition and caffeine. People in this industry, from what I have experienced are working towards greater social good by any means possible. Whether it is striving for a $100 donation or a lifelong corporate sponsor towards educating young women, it is one of the most honorable professions. Likewise, these professionals KNOW how to celebrate those small victories; maybe I will work in the non-profit industry one day, maybe not. But for now, I want to see if I can learn what skills I can develop from different organizations and apply what I’ve learned thus far to future endeavors in Washington, D.C.