College Experiences That Helped An Executive Director At A Non-Profit Succeed
Michael's undergraduate experience involved "trying everything," from accounting to art history, and diverse extracurriculars, revealing both interests and aptitudes. This exploration, coupled with an impactful internship at a non-profit in India, provided valuable insights and practical experience that proved crucial for their subsequent career success in the non-profit sector.
Career Exploration, Internships, Extracurricular Activities, Nonprofit Experience, International Experience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Bleggi
Executive Director
Non-Profit
Duke University, 2017
UCLA Anderson MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Strategic Management and Executive
Video Highlights
1. Explore diverse interests to identify passions and strengths.
2. Step outside your comfort zone by taking on new challenges and experiences.
3. Seek internships to gain practical experience and exposure to your field of interest.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set up for success in your career?
A couple of things, some of which I would not suggest. There are probably better ways to do it. But the first thing is just trying everything. I really, really was interested in doing 20 to 30 different things in undergrad and then realizing what I didn't like.
What I would suggest is maybe not necessarily doing them, but take a step back, figure out what you actually want to try, and then go on that. I do suggest getting just outside the comfort zone and just before the danger zone in terms of where you're going to put yourself.
So I was trying everything from financial accounting classes to a history of art markets class. And then I was also pushing myself in terms of different extracurricular activities. I was doing student jobs, working at one of the centers. I did "Real Sports," all of these different elements. They were telling me what I liked and what I didn't like.
The thing is, you want to marry what you're good with what you like because that's going to be that amazing feed mixture that really creates change. Another key element that I think set me up for my career: I took an internship. It wasn't necessarily expected in undergrad, but I found that taking an internship and getting exposure to real professional life was incredibly helpful in preparing myself for my career down the line.
So I did it with a nonprofit over in India. I love the international experience, but honestly, anything that's even remotely related to potentially what you might do is extremely helpful.
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