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Alex, Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California: Advize Career Interview
A career in education and non-profit work offers diverse and rewarding experiences, as exemplified by a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California.
The career path began with an admissions internship, fostering a passion for student support that led to roles as an admissions counselor and ultimately, a Program Manager position.
This multifaceted role involves student recruitment, alumni engagement, in-person Saturday sessions, and managing volunteers.
The work demands adaptability, strong communication, and an equity-minded approach to supporting underrepresented students.
The most fulfilling aspect is celebrating student successes, although managing a volunteer-based structure presents unique challenges.
A successful individual in this field possesses compassion, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills, understanding that respecting student autonomy and volunteer time are critical.
Admissions counseling is highlighted as a strong entry-level position, offering transferable skills applicable across various sectors.
The interviewee's undergraduate experiences, including diverse campus roles, proved unexpectedly valuable, underscoring the importance of embracing a wide range of opportunities.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Alex Moses
Program Manager
Minds Matter Southern California
Reed College, 2018
n/a
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
English
Nonprofit
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, LGBTQ
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Career Path of a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California
Alex's career path began with a college internship in the admissions office, where they "really enjoyed working with students," sparking interest in education. This led to a role as an admissions counselor before transitioning to a college access nonprofit, Minds Matter, starting as a volunteer and ultimately securing a staff position, driven by a desire to "support students in whatever their goals might be."
Main Responsibilities of a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California
Alex, a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California, oversees student recruitment—"from when a student begins their application"—including communicating with partners and conducting interviews, and manages alumni programming with virtual college support. In addition to these responsibilities, Alex also provides in-person support for student sessions on Saturdays, ensuring smooth operation and assisting volunteers as needed, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the role within a small non-profit.
A Day in the Life of a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California
Alex's role as a Program Manager involves a blend of remote work, requiring "self-discipline, organization," and in-person Saturday sessions where they interact with students and volunteers in a "really engaging, lively environment." The work is cyclical, focusing on "student recruitment" throughout the year and program planning for weekly sessions, making each day unique but always centered around the organization's student programming.
Most Important Skills for a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California
For a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California, a deep commitment to advocating for "underrepresented students" and an "equity-minded" approach are paramount, alongside adaptability and strong communication skills to navigate a volunteer-based environment and diverse stakeholders, including students, families, and school staff. The role requires flexibility, troubleshooting skills, and understanding of best practices for working effectively with young people while respecting their voices and autonomy.
Favorite Parts of Being a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California
Alex's favorite aspect of being a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California is "celebrating students' successes," particularly supporting high school students through college applications and beyond. This work is deeply rewarding for Alex, who finds immense satisfaction in "being there with them to support them" and connecting with alumni to witness their continued growth.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California
Alex's biggest challenge as a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California stems from the organization's volunteer-driven structure, which, while "the lifeblood of the organization," requires significant flexibility and self-discipline to manage "flexible schedules" and remote work. This necessitates weekend and evening work, and, although Alex enjoys the work, it creates a unique set of challenges compared to a traditional office environment, including a feeling that they sometimes miss "comradery" and a more structured workday.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Nonprofit Industry As A Program Manager
Alex, a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California, finds the most rewarding aspects of their work in the nonprofit education sector to be the "mission-driven" environment and the strong sense of community among colleagues who share a passion for educational access and equity. This includes the unexpected discovery of diverse ways to work with students beyond traditional teaching roles, a realization that significantly impacted their career path.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Education, According To A Program Manager At Minds Matter
To thrive in the non-profit sector, specifically working with students, requires a blend of adaptability, creativity, and compassion; a successful candidate should be a "people person" with strong communication skills and the ability to connect with students on a human level, understanding their multifaceted lives beyond academics.
What a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Non-Profit Industry
Alex, a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California, wished they had better anticipated the unique challenges of managing volunteers, noting that "respecting volunteers' time and skillset and knowing how to utilize volunteers to their strengths" was crucial. This experience highlighted the importance of setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance in a volunteer-based organization.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Admission Counselors at Minds Matter Southern California
Alex, a Program Manager, recommends an admissions counselor role as a great entry-level position, citing "a well-rounded set of skills" gained from "working with students, having difficult conversations," and developing communication skills. This experience, they explain, launched their career and provided transferable skills applicable to various fields, including sales, tech, and even their current nonprofit work.
Significant Career Lesson From a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California
Alex, a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California, learned the importance of accepting limits in a career focused on supporting students; the work is rewarding, but "resisting the idea" that the role is to be a "savior" and respecting students' autonomy is key to success, even if it means not always having "warm, fuzzy feelings".
College Experiences That Helped a Program Manager at Minds Matter Southern California Succeed
Alex's undergraduate experience, encompassing diverse campus roles like mentoring, admissions work, event planning, and tutoring, unexpectedly shaped their career trajectory. These experiences, even those seemingly unrelated to their current path, instilled valuable skills like "communication," "leadership," and "being a good employee," which proved invaluable in securing their first post-graduate position and throughout their career.
How Identity Has Influenced a Program Manager's Career at Minds Matter Southern California
Alex, a Latino Program Manager, finds value in relating to students from similar cultural backgrounds, but emphasizes the importance of remaining open-minded, acknowledging that "my experiences are not all the same as our Latino students." This awareness allows for building common ground with all students, regardless of background, highlighting the reciprocal learning that occurs between mentor and mentee.
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