In an organization over 230 members strong, there are unique characteristics, experiences and mindsets you work with every day. The Futures in Advancement internship program was designed to immerse Rutgers students in the work of the Foundation, and as we welcome our second cohort this week we are reminded why it is we invest in the future. Last summer, interns heard from team member after team member who “ended up” in development as a profession. Looking at the landscape ahead of us, we here at the Rutgers University Foundation understand that this is not a sustainable model. For every one qualified professional in the field, there are seven open jobs for them. How can we address this talent gap while strengthening our organization? We believe the answer is by training and developing the next generation of talented industry professionals, while concurrently encouraging them to grow their own passion and affinity for Rutgers.

The Futures program places our interns directly into the working world of higher education advancement, and we’re proud to say many of our 2016 interns found a home in this field. Several alumni have returned to the University or Foundation in a full-time role, others have strengthened their bond with their alumni association and all former interns expressed feelings of personal and professional growth. The interns of our inaugural year expanded their professional networks participating in a program such as this – programs being modeled across the country – we know our Futures interns are poised for bright futures.

We ask that you again open your doors to our interns. They are bright, curious and ready to be challenged. I know this program will unlock more opportunity and talent for our organization, our University and for each of the ten interns selected for this year’s class. Wherever they may go after these ten weeks, I know that the Futures program and the professionals they will engage with will leave a lasting impression throughout their careers.

I look forward to seeing our 2017 cohort work diligently and professionally to advance the mission of Rutgers University. Thank you for helping them along the way.

 

 

Tahsin Alam is the Director of Talent Management at the Rutgers University Foundation