College Experiences That Helped a Nonprofit Consultant and Freelance Project Manager Succeed
Manaf's undergraduate experience involved "a lot of different things," including internships, student organizations, research, and theater, allowing exploration across various disciplines and development of emotional intelligence. This broad approach, combined with identifying and focusing on "things that really resonate," directly contributed to their current success as a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager by fostering adaptability and diverse skill sets.
Career Exploration, Project Management, Communication, Teamwork, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Manaf Mansure
Nonprofit Consultant and Freelance Project Manager
Self-Employed
University of California, Los Angeles
Harvard University, MEd in Organizations, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship
Fine Arts, Music
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Explore diverse experiences: Manaf emphasizes the importance of trying various activities, such as internships, student organizations, and research, to discover your passions and skills.
2. Develop emotional intelligence and leadership skills: Through roles like resident assistant and orientation staff, Manaf honed his emotional intelligence, empathy, and leadership abilities by supporting peers during both positive and challenging times.
3. Combine seemingly unrelated experiences: Manaf creatively connected diverse experiences like theater, research, and student leadership, demonstrating how seemingly disparate activities can contribute to a well-rounded skillset and career path.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
In undergrad, I tried many different things. I also did this in high school.
This is why I enjoy working with diverse people, organizations, and institutions. I like being around different individuals and constantly learning new things.
I completed numerous internships. I was involved with my alumni association's student organization and served as a resident assistant and orientation staff member in college.
I also conducted research. I was able to integrate that experience with my involvement in theater productions, learning valuable lessons from each.
I exposed myself to as many different experiences as possible, without overextending myself. I considered all the available opportunities and how I could explore them from various perspectives and applications.
By application, I mean comparing a theater production to a research project, and the different disciplines I could explore. My research and theater work both involved puppetry.
My work with my alumni association's student organization centered on a large musical performance. As director of homecoming and a resident assistant, I constantly interacted with individuals, supporting them through both good and difficult times.
I was able to grow my own emotional intelligence and empathy skills, and develop as a leader for my peers.
Having diverse opportunities and being willing to explore them in college, while also learning what doesn't work or what you dislike, is equally beneficial. I recommend trying many things initially. Don't be afraid to explore widely, and then, when you're ready, focus deeply on what truly resonates with you or what you want to explore further.