Practicum

The Organization

For my Practicum I chose to Intern with Third Lens Ministries. Third Lens is a nonprofit organization that is comprised of a community of construction and design professionals who use their talents for eternal purposes. The organization's vision is to change the way construction is done in the nonprofit world by taking on the burden of construction so their partners can stay focused on their mission and help grow their ministry’s outreach. Third Lens does so by providing management services for the planning, design and construction of building projects, both here in our backyard and abroad.

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I chose to work with this organization because I felt passionate about the work they are doing and how they are serving. Third Lens is a very unique organization and one I feel is doing a lot of good, not just within our local community, but around the world as well.

My Future Philanthropic Goals

I chose the minor in philanthropy and nonprofit studies because I have always been passionate about nonprofits and the work they do. With this minor I will have a greater understanding of how nonprofits are governed and how their day to day operations are ran. Through this practicum I now know that this was the right decision for me. I expect I will begin my career path with a nonprofit not immediately, but gradually work my way into the nonprofit sector. As well, I would love to one day be a member of a Board of Directors.

My Responsibilities

Through my position I conducted all of the social media platforms, monthly newsletters, helped as a liaison for communication between us and partners, and helped to evaluate the current and to develop a new marketing strategy for the organization. These roles were very beneficial and helped me hone my current skills while developing new ones. I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with someone as helpful and willing to delegate as my supervisor, Mr. Brian O’Neil. He allowed me freedom on developing my own ideas and and thoughts for this organization. Through this I have become more independent and a stronger leader, a skill that will impact the rest of my college career and beyond into the workforce as well. The intern team is made up of a staff of seven students working on various aspects of the organization, ranging from mathematics to marketing. I often worked alongside one of the other interns and enjoyed partnering up on different tasks.