Bank of America Student Leaders reflect on their experiences as internship comes to a close

Bank of America Send off The Bank of America Student Leader interns wrapped up their final week of work at Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland, taking with them meaningful work and personal experiences as well as leaving behind a large imprint on the organization.

The interns worked in various fields including development, educational programs, marketing, and programming data. Through these different departments, they worked on various projects including researching academic success over time, rebuilding websites, creating bulletin boards with information, entering data into a database, and more.

We wish them the best of luck as they head off to college and on to their next endeavors. It has been a pleasure getting to know these outstanding individuals, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish.

THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:

The only predictable thing in life is that it is unpredictable. I came into the Boys & Girls Club with absolutely no idea what to expect, besides maybe filing and date entry. As time progressed, everyday on the job pleasantly surprised me. During my internship I gained something more valuable than excel skills. The exposure to this real world work environment proved to me that it is possible to love what you do. I found myself looking forward to going back to work everyday, something I haven’t experienced very frequently.

The Boys & Girls Club inspires youth to “Be Great,” but it’s evident to me that its employees lead by example. This type of commitment to excellence and youth is something I admire in the organization. My brief time with the organization birthed the realization that if I follow my passions, money will follow me. As I end my internship with the Boys & Girls Club, I am filled with joy and sorrow all at once. I wish I could start the internship all over again, but look forward to what will come now that my mentality has been altered due to the experience. I got paid to work, yet I am in debt. I am forever in the debts of those who welcomed and supported me throughout my internship.

Gabriel Gutierrez

Incoming freshman at Saint Mary’s College of California | Political Science
Internship: Data analysis & collection for Summer Brain Gain program

This internship was an amazing opportunity for me because I was exposed to new possibilities in terms of career and people who truly care about their job. I had the pleasure of working in the Program Office with people who are truly passionate about what they do. Before this internship, I had never thought of working in a non-profit organization, and had a small understanding of how a non-profit organization operates. Through this internship I was exposed to the difference a non-profit organization makes in different communities.

While working at Program Office, I was able to observe how the employees work individually, as well as collaborating with each other to better the organization. Their motivation and passion for what they do has really taught me to figure out what I am passionate about in life. I am starting college this fall, which I am excited and nervous about at the same time. Having this internship has motivated me to try new things when I begin college. I am really excited to join clubs, volunteer, and most of all apply to internships that might lead me to figuring out my passion.

Hawi Hussen

Incoming freshman at Oregon State University | Public Health or other medical field
Internship: Data analysis & collection for Summer Brain Gain program

My internship at the Boys & Girls Club was a great learning experience. I don’t think there was a day that I didn’t learn something new about the Club or about certain skills. What I enjoyed the most was interacting with all the Clubs while filming and documenting their growth. Behind the camera I can see a story manifesting in all of the children’s smiles as they participate in enriching activities. I have no doubt that the youth here have great futures ahead of them and it was my pleasure to help convey that through a series of videos I created.

Through this project I was able to see the Boys & Girls Club mission in action instead of in words. With Kelsey (which by the way is a phenomenal mentor, I admire her so much), I was able to improve my video production skills and improve my knowledge of marketing using social media and online resources. I was also able to learn the essential skills of the workplace like being punctual, communication and just basic workplace dynamics. There were many opportunities to grow and the person that I became as a result is proof of it.

They really created a place where you don’t feel judged or not good enough, but valued for who you are. Being exposed to that type of environment really made me feel like I belonged and was part of something bigger than myself. I was working with people who are really passionate about the cause and it was precisely that caring spirit that made me realize that if I put myself out there and believe in myself the possibilities are endless and that as long as there with this mindset, hope does exists. This belief will forever follow me in my future endeavors and for that I am immensely grateful.

Claudia Monroy

Incoming freshman at University of Oregon | Marketing or Media Production
Internship: Marketing & Communication

Being a Bank of America intern at the Boys & Girls Club has been an incredible experience as we all have developed many new skills, built new relationships, and created memories that we will take with us. It has been a blessing to already have experience in the workforce under our belt as incoming college freshman.

Personally, the most terrifying and useful experience I have had is cold calling businesses. I researched various people and companies through the Portland Journal’s Book of Lists and then used that information to write a script and calling various people to hopefully build a relationship between them and BCGP. As a Business & Public Policy major, this will be extremely valuable for my future although I was shaking and laughing for a couple of minutes before each call.

Ana Parvankin

Incoming freshman at George Washington University | Business & Public Policy
Internship: Development & Business

Unit Director | imuhammad@bgcportland.org

The internship at the Boys & Girls Club of Portland has provided me with a multitude of skills that I’ll be taking with me to future jobs and into my college experience. I was able to work both in the clubs as well as in an administrative office. The combination of these components made each of them more valuable by adding context and creating a complete picture as to what happens in a nonprofit.

Through my internship, I was able to learn about academic assessments, programs used to enhance academic success of members, as well as data analysis. I’m grateful for the opportunity to leave this internship with a new set of skills that I know will help me with academic writing during college and into my career.

Karissa Pavlik

Incoming freshman at Portland State University | Community Health
Internship: Data analysis & collection for Summer Brain Gain program

Bank of America Student Leaders reflect on their experiences as internship comes to a close