MavJobs Provides Unforeseen Internship Opportuntiy

Searching for and deciding on a future career can be an overwhelming task for any college student. The Career Development Center (CDC) at Minnesota State University, Mankato prides itself on providing the necessary resources to help students explore their interests and strengths so they can choose a major relevant to their intended career field. In addition, the CDC assists students and alumni during their job/internship search by revising student’s résumés or fine-tuning interview skills.

One resource the CDC offers for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and employers is MavJobs, an online tool to assist individuals and employers during the job search and recruitment process. Individuals can create a profile to specify certain career interest areas, upload résumés and look for currently available positions; employers can post job/internship opportunities and search for résumés. In some cases, that leads to connections that benefit both students and employers.

This fall, Recreation Parks and Leisure Services major Jocelyn Brown activated her MavJobs account. Brown, who also works as a student employee in the CDC helping with web design projects, was encouraged by CDC staff members to upload her résumé to her account. She did so, but then, rarely returned to the MavJobs system and was not contacted through it, either. Because she had already lined up a summer job, she didn’t re-engage with MavJobs this spring. However, early in February, Brown’s summer plans changed thanks to MavJobs.

In February, Browns received an email from the Director of Confidence Learning Center (formerly known as Camp Confidence), who had found her résumé on MavJobs and was impressed with her background. The director felt Brown would be a great fit for their summer internship opportunity, and he asked if she had time to stop by the Summer Job Fair that the CDC was hosting that day to speak with one of the representatives about the opportunity.

After going through the interview process, Brown was offered and accepted an internship opportunity with Confidence Learning Center, a nonprofit organization that hosts events and activities year-round for individuals with developmental disabilities. The mission of the organization is to provide a safe educational environment in which individuals with developmental disabilities can grow and exude confidence.

This summer Brown, who is minoring in Nonprofit Leadership, will have the opportunity to explore many areas of this nonprofit organization. As part of her internship, she will have her hands in program leadership, budgeting, fundraising, promotions and marketing. Brown is particularly excited about “the structure of the board, fundraising, board meetings, how people communicate, budget management, proper maintenance procedures, as well as programs they offer and how they handle standard procedures,” she says. “I am extremely excited about this opportunity!”

Brown, a Brainerd native, recalls attending an event during elementary school at Confidence Learning Center when it was known as Camp Confidence. She has fond memories of that field trip, which was one reason she was to accept the internship position. Brown wants to contribute to the experiences others have at Confidence Learning Center.

Brown is amazed that this opportunity came about because she was encouraged to post her resume to MavJobs. “Just because you don’t need a job [or internship], does not mean that you shouldn’t look, she says. “There are tons of opportunities out there!”

If you would like to learn more about Confidence Learning Center, please visit their website at campconfidence.com.

This story highlights students, faculty, staff, and/or events from Student Affairs Offices fostering big ideas and real-world thinking on campus and in the community.