Staff Interview with Camilla Owen-Jones

How would you describe your position as the Design and Digital Marketing Specialist at if i could?

I create interesting photographs and stories to post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and make sure our website works properly in order to reach an audience of prospective interns for if i could.

Describe a typical day at if i could. What are you currently working on?

My days vary every day but I usually post on social media 3 times a day on various platforms, work on website layouts and strategies, search for new digital technology to create and ensure all our branding and documents are up to our corporate identity standards.

Currently, I'm busy working on the new Hanoi destination website layouts, trying to find ways to improve our GoAbroad listings, and investigating new video and podcast portals.

If you could switch jobs with someone in the office, who would it be and why?

Chloe, our Program Advisor. Chloe has the awesome job of liaising and keeping in touch with our interns in-country and she learns so much from each and every new individual - everyone has their own story to tell.

Is there a piece of advice that you live by?

Carpe Diem - seize the day. My mom used to recite this to me while I was going to school and it has always stuck with me. It's important to grasp each and every opportunity placed in front of us, scary as that sometimes may be.

What does conscious, purposeful travel mean to you?

To me, conscious travel is about ensuring one is being aware of not only the choices others are faced with in different cultural situations on a daily basis, but also what opportunities they are given, to make the right socially developed choice to elevate themselves in any situation.

Conscious travel allows us as individuals to learn about social justice and social development from a grassroots level.

What characteristics make Cape Town a great program location?

Cape Town truly has so much to offer. It's been said that you can find the world here and it’s true! We have everything from crisp blue waters and beaches, to amazing wine farms, to exciting nightlife and beautiful scenery with Table Mountain on the horizon. It's an easy city to navigate and everyone is incredibly friendly.  Tourism is big here, so you won't ever feel lonely as there are so many other travelers to meet.

Why do you think internships are important?

Internships offer one the opportunity to springboard their young career. These days HR officers are looking beyond one's qualifications and searching for a candidate who has interesting life experiences.

An internship will give you a definite advantage and edge in your job search.

What destination excites and inspires you?

Definitely Vietnam! I love that this country. It has such a diverse and rich history. Its many many cultural infusions have left it a must visit foodie destination for me.

As if i could..’s digital marketing specialist, what do you think the most marketable feature of if i could is?

We offer internships with a sustainable and developmental footprint which makes our offering very different to a lot of others out there. We also have a small team, meaning our internships are more tailored and personalized, and we become friends with each an every intern who comes through our doors.

Why do you think it is important for young people to step outside their comfort zone and travel in the world today?

It really allows the youth to see a world beyond their own city. It’s important to celebrate different cultures and societies so that we can help grow our global village.

What makes if i could one of a kind?

As mentioned above, we offer very specialized placements with our hosts which are almost all located in the nonprofit industry. This means that all of our interns most definitely have an impact on helping their hosts enormously– something which no amount of money can buy.

Do you have a personal mission statement?

Yes. Keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. I hope we never lose sight of one thing– it was all started by a mouse.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I’m constantly researching new and unique ways to market our programmes. We have branched out into podcasts, webinars, and blogging: all of which were new avenues for me!

What is on your wish list for your next five years here at IIC?

I would love to see our program become more digitally empowered with an app for our interns to make use of, at any given point.

How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?

I want to try and set aside more time for myself. With a young child and full-time job this sometimes falls by the wayside. This job has shown me that mindfulness is important for personal well being.