Career Education internships lead to job opportunities for area students
by Jan Janes on Aug 9, 2021An email from Gavilan College created a hometown employment opportunity for Genessis Garcia.
Genessis Garcia, Office Coordinator for
Community Foundation for San Benito County.
“Lelannie Diaz emails students information about internship opportunities,” said Garcia. “This one caught my eye, because it was based in San Benito County, where I live.”
Researching more information about the internship, she discovered the Community Foundation for San Benito County (CFFSBC), a nonprofit located in downtown Hollister.
As a local student, Garcia received her AA in Psychology from Gavilan College and a BS in Psychology from San Jose State University. She recalled the experience with one of her psychology classes taught by Sara Salinas.
“The entire class worked together on a research assignment,” she said. “We created a survey for the Community Foodbank, measuring client satisfaction on their services. It was, honestly, difficult to do as a student.”
After the class volunteered with Community Foodbank, they engaged with clients of the nonprofit to assess their satisfaction. A class project and nonprofit services assessment turned into a personal resume feature.
“The Foodbank is one of many nonprofits the Community Foundation communicates with,” said Garcia. “Building the awareness of the Foodbank and how they operated was very helpful.”
Garcia started as an intern with CFFSBC in September of 2020. She was hired part time in January 2021.
“My main job as an intern was to oversee the implementation of a peer-to-peer program,” she said. Board members would do a ‘soft ask’ of family and friends to donate to CFFSBC.
“I worked on the web page, created some marketing materials, and help the board members with posts, emails and messages during the campaign.”
Switching from intern to staff member, Garcia now staffs the front desk, greets CFFSBC visitors and directs phone calls. She also supports the foundation’s Director of Operations and Grants and serves on the auction committee for the San Benito Community Auction.
The virtual auction, slated from August 27-30, supports participating nonprofits that provide packages the community can bid on. Garcia assisted with website development, developed promotional marketing materials and offered technical support to the participating nonprofits.
The new work is a lot more diverse. “I’m constantly learning,” said Garcia. “And I’m excited to build real experience at the Foundation, all while learning more about my home town, county, and people who live here.”