YMCA of the USA

CEO Search Team, Intern

January - April 2022 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) has a very welcoming culture and extremely competent leadership. For younger workers/students, this is very important to look for during your job search. My direct supervisor always made sure I was comfortable with my role and set aside time each week to clarify any issues. The team leaders have been with YMCA for years, so they are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. The position was fully remote, so it allowed for plenty of work/life balance.

What I wish was different

I believe this was the first time this position was offered, so assignments were minimal. This is not a bad thing" just be prepared when your name is called upon for assistance.

Advice

A large part of the benefit from this job comes from observation. You will be in meetings with executive level (C-Suite, former C-Suite, board of directors, etc.) personnel with years and years of experience. There are many national level projects being implemented and you will see firsthand how those processes are formed during meetings. Take extensive notes and be present. You have an opportunity to see how operations are performed at a corporate level which is extremely profitable. Good luck and have fun. Tell the CEO Search team hello for me!

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Events and Engagement

July 2018 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

The office is great , the staff is wonderful, and I’m learning new things

What I wish was different

Nothing. so far it’s been great!

Advice

Always go in with an open mind and don’t be afraid to try something new

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Financial development

June - August 2018 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

Hands on experience Lots of freedom

What I wish was different

More variety in the work

Advice

Make the most of it by talking to the people that work at Y-USA full time. It’s the largest non-profit in the country and while many have some sort of YMCA background, many come from other work backgrounds.

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World Service Intern

May - July 2016 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

I was able to gain valuable professional experience about how to work in a company. I also was able to network with influential people in the company and gain experience communicating with high profile workers.

What I wish was different

I wish I had taken the opportunity to go to different departments so I was not at my desk constantly. I wish I was able to talk to more people in the department or different departments to understand their experiences.