Jessa Thomas
Community Affairs Associate
Capital One
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Accepting internships.
Furthering my education to stay competitive.
Being open to new, different and challenging positions (flexible).
Being clear about what I was looking for in a career.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Lakeview Centennial
Lakeview Centennial
Career
Community Affairs Associate
I manage our NE Associate Volunteer Program - connecting associate skills and nonprofit needs.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Education
Problem Solving
Day to Day
A great day for me would be a successful volunteer event for associates! For example, managing a group of volunteers to give a makeover to a college prep room at a local school. I love it when a nonprofit / community need is met through associate skillset and passion... to me, that is a success!
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Experience. My line of work is very competitive. I'd recommend internships, job shadows, informational interviews and networking! Also, if you choose to get involved in Corporate Philanthropy and / or the Nonprofit Sector, understand why you want that to be your career and what part of it you want to spend your time working on.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Corporate philanthropy jobs are too difficult to find... you should just do something else. The nonprofit sector doesn't pay enough... why would you go that route after all your education?"
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Gangs / Violence
Parent in prison
