GOODWILL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
February 3, 2020For over 14 years, Goodwill has partnered with Randolph Macon College’s Bassett Internship Program to provide meaningful internships to students. In January 2020, Goodwill hosted six interns who worked on three distinct projects in different departments within the organization. From examining waste management practices and recommending alternative options to conducting shopper intercept surveys, to a “speed dating-style” interview session with executive team members and coffee with the CEO, as well as expert training session on using LinkedIn for networking and career development, their four weeks out of class and on the job provided unique insights into the world of work.
“Offering college internships is aligned with the Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia values and commitment to learning,” said Christy Roberson, vice president of people operations for Goodwill. “We provide a rich learning opportunity for students while allowing them to provide work and services that support our communities.”
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Something that I have learned so far with the internship is how independent I really am. I was able to find information on my own about a project that is important to this organization. I feel like I have been doing something that matters to Goodwill. Working on this Waste Disposal project has really helped me grow as an individual and as a team player. This project will play a role on my future with having experienced such a big task as well as look great on my resume.
I am grateful to be where I am at today with Goodwill and how the organization has affected me in a positive way.
Trevor Bates, Business Management Major
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I have truly enjoyed every minute of my time interning at Goodwill and have learned so much about this organization that I had not known before this internship. I had no idea Goodwill had auctions, worked closely with Dell Computers, and just how many donations are received and recycled and how much trash there is each year! All of the employees are so kind and welcoming and it brightens my day when everyone I pass says “hello!” Goodwill does so much for its employees and community and I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity. This is an experience I will never forget!
Kendra Bolton, Business Major
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I’ve always enjoyed shopping at Goodwill, whether it was with my mom when I was younger or last week. Going into this internship, all I thought consisted of Goodwill’s operations was donations and sales but after reviewing and working on the bookkeeping, I’ve realized that Goodwill is so much more than a retail store. The finance staff went above and beyond to guide me through their closing process and using their accounting software has taught me tremendously. Along with that, my supervisors gave me some of the most valuable advice when we discussed what direction I want to go in with my career and how to achieve my goals. Overall, I’ve enjoyed each day working here at Goodwill.
Hagan Biddison, Accounting Major
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My time at Goodwill has been very eye-opening, and a great experience. The biggest take away from this internship was the exposure to a professional working environment. Getting a sense of what a 9-5 job feels like was good practice for the future. Being able to sit in on meetings and see how co-workers operate together was also impactful. This was a valuable opportunity for me, and I learned so much.
Manny Ament, International Commerce & Business Major
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During my time at Goodwill I learned valuable and effective communication skills, new ways to analyze data, and more about what it is like to work in an office environment. To be honest, before I started working here, I thought that Goodwill only worked through their stores. Now, however, I know all about the different programs that they use to help the communities that they are a part of, which is amazing. I am truly grateful to have had this month to work at Goodwill to see what they are all about.
Teddy Ansty, Economics Major
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Overall, I came into this internship a blank slate. I’ve never worked in an office setting before and was ready to explore the skills I’ve acquired over the years, throughout my education and life experiences. This internship has been a great experience and am glad I had the opportunity. Goodwill is a great organization and has a great mission which is evident in the demeanor of all the employees I had the privilege to work closely with.
Matt Hess, Business Finance Major ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
This internship has been a phenomenal experience, being able to apply what I have learned throughout my college career to the subject at hand. I also got to experience day to day life at a great organization with great employees. I will take many valuable lessons from this month, for which I am extremely grateful.
Lee Pratt, Business Management Major
