By Marissa Jackman
I started college with more passion than professional experience. At that point, I was not very active in the workforce and worked no more than four hours per week. I was 18.
The Next Chapter
In 2023, I began my college journey as a freshman at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). Within the first month, I got my first job as a worker in the PLU Commons. Working ten or more hours a week on top of school was an adjustment, but I thrived.
Spring semester came quickly, and I decided to apply for a unique, local opportunity: In 2024, I applied to Seed Internships, a program of Degrees of Change. As a business student who wants to understand what makes businesses successful, I liked the idea of getting interview experience and a ten-week paid internship.
At the time, my career confidence was uncertain because I did not see my value. In my mind, I was just an everyday worker in the PLU Commons. The Seed Internships process helped me see my value by showing me the power of being my authentic self throughout the interview process.
What is Professional Development?
Before my connection with Degrees of Change, I had no idea what professional development (PD) was. When I first heard of it, I thought it was suit and tie, business professional vibes with formal workshops that you sign up for in your free time. I was not wrong, but my personal definition was more limited than reality.
PD is any experience that helps shape your professional self, from leadership fairs to the online course a professor assigned. It can be anything from exploring what leadership looks like to making a new connection on LinkedIn.
From my college campus to my local community, I realized just how many PD experiences are out there. PD does not need to look a certain way, and it does not have to be a workshop or leadership conference to be useful.
My love for PD started with Seed Internships. What stood out to me was the potential to be matched with a local, paid 10-week summer internship with a weekly PD meeting. The program is for those with both developed and developing skills.
Taking A Chance On Myself
I was 19 when I applied. Even though Seed Internships helps students gain entry-level experience, I was concerned how well my resume and story would stand out in the process. I took a chance on myself by submitting my application, despite the uncertainty of being selected.
Seed Internships helped me gain confidence by letting me speak about my skills in an inclusive environment. I learned about the STAR Method, an interview tool that has since helped make interviews less overwhelming. Responding to interview questions by describing the Situation, Task(s), Action(s), and Result(s) changed the way I prepare for interviews.
Cohort connection scavenger hunt memento at UW Tacoma with Marissa (second from the right) and other members of the 2024 Seed Internships cohort.
Using Professional Development
Events like Seed Internships are helping me realize that job interviews and building a career involve a lot of storytelling: Employers want to hear what I have to say and my perspective.
Self-discovery is of the most powerful impacts PD has had on my life. I am surprised daily how much more I have to learn about myself including my values, my interests, and my motivation.
I ended up accepting a Programs Intern position at Degrees of Change.
Ten weeks went by faster than I imagined, and I learned more than I thought possible. Through staff interviews from different departments, interactions with program participants, and professional development workshops that taught soft skills, I became a stronger version of myself.
From the moment I arrived at Degrees of Change, I knew the staff has a deep passion for what they do, and I realized the importance of what they call dedication to “heart work.” I learned about the importance of having a strong staff to be successful as a nonprofit, and I aspire to have a loving team like Degrees of Change, where each worker is empowered to make a difference (because each person does make a difference).
Building A Career
PD is a tool for career building since it helps hone existing skills and learn new ones. I knew I was growing when I started to step outside myself: I asked questions more openly and held my head higher. PD has left a mark on my life, and I am excited to see what comes next.
One day, I hope to start a nonprofit that innovates the scholarship market to help students and soon-to-be students fund their education with a passionate team. From my internship with Degrees of Change, I now have the confidence to make that dream a reality.
I am now 20 and about to be a third year at PLU. I still have a lot to learn about myself, but I know two things for certain: There is more value in my professional development than I thought, and the passion I have for being a nonprofit leader is well within reach, especially thanks to Degrees of Change for seeing the potential in me.
Marissa Jackman is currently a junior at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, pursuing a degree in marketing with a nonprofit leadership minor. Having been a programs and communications intern at Degrees of Change, she is excited to apply her growing knowledge in advertising and community engagement as a future nonprofit leader.
Featured image: Marissa (second from the right) pictured with Change Foundation and Tacoma Public Schools cohort members during the 2024 Seed Internships Celebration. (Photo by Ron Storer)
Sign up for our eNews to learn more about our students, alumni, and programs.
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook for weekly photos and videos!