Looking for an Internship: My Experience Touring Nonprofit Technology Resources

As a job developer for JEVS Career Strategies, I was given the responsibility of finding an internship site for my client that was hoping to have a career in computer repair. My supervisor recommended that I call NonProfit Technology Resources. I arranged with Stan and Steve for a time that my client and I could visit.

As I stood outside waiting for my client to arrive, curiously wondering about the inside of the facility, a few gentlemen about to enter the building kindly asked if they could help me. After explaining my situation, they left, and moments later I was greeted by Stan Pokras' warm demeanor accompanied by Steve Feldman and my client. Yes, my client...I was told he had arrived early and they jokingly said that he could give me the tour. From the moment I walked in, I could tell this was a community based organization that the employees were proud of. Everyone was friendly and considerate, especially the warehouse manager Lorenzo who wore a smile ear to ear.

Steve took over and toured my client and me around the building, explaining the various programs, showing me the different computer parts, and talking about the different responsibilities an intern could have. I remember thinking that Steve seemed like the perfect person for this job; his persona was a great mix of techie and teacher with the ability and patience to communicate computers to someone without any prior knowledge. Steve was thorough with his explanations mentioning the fabulous opportunity for a volunteer or intern to take home a computer after they work for 120 hours. Who can beat that?

As Steve and my client spoke 'techie,' I was surprised to find out how much my client already knew about computers. Based upon Steve's reassurance, I was happy to know that not only would my client be able to increase his knowledge, but as he gained proficiency, he would be able to graduate to more advanced projects and could help teach other people in the program. The setting seemed perfect for a teenager not only to gain computer knowledge, but also to learn to work as a part of a team of people dedicated to a mission.

As my client and I left the building, we both agreed that Nonprofit Technology Resources would be a great place for him to get his start.