What Pulls at Your Heartstrings
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” — Nelson Mandela
As we honor and acknowledge Nelson Mendela’s legacy, I reflect on my experience as CCD’s Social Impact career advisor lead over the last few years. Reading through his biography I am struck by his drive, dedication and persistence (http://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography). Never do you read about him giving up or losing hope – even if that meant imprisonment. He pushed boundaries over and over again changing history forever in his pursuit of equal rights for South Africans.
I feel fortunate to partner with the student population at Babson that also have the drive, persistence and dedication to pursue a career that will impact our world for the better. It is inspiring to meet with students as they share their interests. I collaborate with students, administration and faculty to research, connect and learn about opportunities that match each unique pursuit. Whether that pursuit is related to the environment, education, women’s rights, urban development, corporate relevance, social enterprise, responsible investing, (and so much more) there is one common thread…it’s a pursuit that connects to your heartstrings. That’s a pretty cool feeling.
As the semester comes to an end I wanted to point out some great fellowship opportunities that I have been investigating. I have noticed an increased amount of fellowship opportunities for undergraduates. Fellowships are usually short-term and focus on a particular issue that is in need of further research and leadership. Therefore these types of opportunities are sponsored by organizations and provide students with a chance to dive into a specific topic of interest. This allows for professional, academic and career growth in an interest area that pulls at your heartstrings. Compensation varies immensely within each organization – it could include a stipend, health coverage, student loan repayment etc. In addition, some require you to have graduated by the time you start the fellowship and some you can participate in while a student. There is a lot to take into consideration when evaluating what fellowship is best for you. The ones listed below have rapidly approaching deadlines, so please take notice.
Students, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with me for further support. In the meantime, happy researching and applying!
Echoing Green http://www.echoinggreen.org/blog/whats-your-problem (1/6/14)
- Echoing Green’s Fellowship Programs will offer more than $3.8 million in seed-stage funding and support this year to emerging leaders working to bring about positive social change.
Karisimbi Fellows Program http://www.karisimbipartners.com/ (1/16/13)
- Rwandan-based consulting and investment Fellows allows business graduates to get hands on experience partnering with businesses in the developing world.
The Clinton Global Initiative http://www.cgiu.org/applying_to_cgiu/ (1/17/14)
- Through the Babson College Lewis Institute, Babson is a member of The Clinton Global Initiative University Network. Babson provides support and funding for innovative student projects that take on some of the world’s greatest challenges.
IDEX http://idexaccelerator.com/ (2/1/14)
- IDEX Accelerator is a career launch-pad for aspiring social enterprise practitioners. The 6 month programs offer intense field experience in India. In addition to their IDEX Accelerator Program, they are now accepting applications for their Women’s Leadership Program, IDEX Investwise.
Venture For America http://ventureforamerica.org/ (2/16/14)
- VFA is a program for young, talented grads to spend two years in the trenches of a start-up with the goal that these graduates will become socialized and mobilized as entrepreneurs moving forward.