You’re a current staff member, but also participated in four different ISV programs. What about your experience volunteering abroad led you to want to work for ISV?
As soon as I returned from my first program in Costa Rica, I became very passionate about ISV and the incredible work that was being done globally. I always knew I wanted to stay involved with ISV and I had dreams of making it my career someday. When I was offered a job in the California office, I could hardly contain my excitement! It’s a great feeling to really stand behind the organization you’re working for.
You studied Spanish at The Ohio State University before your four-week volunteer program in Costa Rica. How did your language study help you while volunteering abroad?
While in Costa Rica I stayed with a host family who didn’t speak a word of English. I was one of the only people in my volunteer group who spoke any Spanish, so I was able to become more fluent and translate for some of the other volunteers. It was really fun to interact with the children in my home and teach them English while I was there. ISV also offers a Spanish Language Program for students who want an accelerated course before they begin their volunteer work.
Whitewater rafting on the Tully River in Australia.
What does a typical work day look like as ISV’s Student Rep and Campus Club Coordinator?
No two days at work are alike. I like to stay busy and I’m always working on multiple projects at the same time. I primarily work with ISV alumni to assist them with fundraising, earning credits toward a free ISV program, and starting an ISV Campus Club at their university. I just finished helping our Regional Directors run Student Rep Trainings in four cities across America, which was so much fun for me. I frequently submit our outstanding volunteers to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award (for U.S. citizens) and the Global Volunteer Citizen Award (for non-U.S. citizens), which look great on a resume. I also run our Photo Contest and manage several of our Facebook groups.
You’ve been with ISV for just shy of a year, what has been your biggest accomplishment in marketing during your first year with ISV?
ISV hired a brand new team of recruiters this year and I helped train them for several weeks. We ended up having one of our most successful recruiting seasons ever, so I’m really proud of what they accomplished.
If you could attend another one of ISV’s programs which would you choose and why?
South Africa, hands down! I studied Zoology and I’ve always been fascinated by African wildlife, plus the Adventure Tour there is beyond incredible. You have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks and even add on an extra 7-day excursion to Botswana and Zambia.
What sets ISV’s volunteer programs apart from the myriad of other volunteer programs out there?
Skydiving over the Fiji islands.
ISV gives you the unique opportunity to volunteer and make a positive difference, and then explore your host country while doing amazing adrenaline-filled activities with other students from around the world. Unlike a lot of other organizations, ISV hires and trains every staff member and you are fully supervised during your program. We complete regular site inspections to ensure our projects and tour operators are the safest options for our volunteers.
What’s the most fulfilling part about working for ISV?
I love coming to work every day because I know I’m working for an organization that truly strives to make the world a better place. I’m also lucky because my coworkers are some of the best people I’ve ever met.
