• What needs are fulfilled by this project as you understand them? – were the needs met?
• Regarding the anticipated outcomes of the project - What were the facilitators or impediments to
  achieving them?
• What were the impacts of the project as you see them?
• How did the project leave an impact on the organization?
• What were some of the defining moments of the project for you? Tell us a story!
• Did your understanding and appreciation of the voluntary sector change through this internship? How?
• Was having a management student in this organization a benefit, from your perspective? How, specifically?
• Has this experience had an effect on your career choices or study options? How?
• Would you choose to work in this sector again? Why?
• Please list some concrete & specific ways that you can help us promote CEI in your school when you go back.
• Comments worth reading

“What needs are fulfilled by this project as you understand them?” – were the needs met?
Yes, some of the needs were met, such as focusing the message of the organization and developing a marketing strategy. But the project uncovered, or rather brought to light, some additional issues that the organization needs to address. The project will give the organization a more systematic and business-like approach to its work and stakeholders.

I worked as a business analysis for Starworks, a social enterprise which is part of the Developmental Disability Association. My report included creating a Operation Manual which allowed an opportunity to review current operation procedures and refine it. I also performed a time trail to measure productivity and efficiency, and completed a space analysis and financial analysis which were summarized together as an internal analysis report. Based on my analysis, we were able to have a strategy meeting including the head office staff, management, and operation staff. This created an opportunity for all level of staff to have an aligned understanding of the strategies.

(a) Implementing a new management and governance system (Web governance system has been implemented)
(b) Increasing SICI presence and influence in policy development between India and Canada
(c) Increasing the number of members and services offered (Membership proposal for Indian institutions is pending approval with the requisite body in India, New entities have been identified and incorporated in the fundraising plans)
(d) Exploring and identified new options for networking and service offering (Database of new research evaluators, Canadian corporations with business interests in India, Indo-Canadian organizations have been identified)

The MFBS~NS Board set a new policy to focus on addressing the root causes of hunger by increasing the prevention and reduction advocacy programs. The business plan that I drew up is the first step towards implementing the new policy.

In my case, the need was to provide additional funding. By organizing the Bazaar and the sidewalk sales we not only raised 9300$, but we increased the awareness of the organization within the Montreal Community

On the first evaluation I wrote: “I will be fulfilling the need of more volunteers in the office of CARC. Database entry, organization of office library, and clerical work are areas that CARC could use help with.” I have filled all available positions at CARC. Each project has gotten underway and it looks promising that the volunteers will fulfill their commitments. Another need was the creation of a volunteer program. I have met that need by putting together a volunteer manual that will be used in the office once I am gone. During my three months here, I have tried to create some consistency with which we run the volunteer program. Registration forms, confidentiality contracts, two month reviews are all part of the volunteer program that did not exist before my internship.

The project was to design and implement performance measurement system using balanced scorecard approach to help in the organization’s quality improvement efforts. This was part of the continuous quality improvement efforts since accreditation last year and important management system building for long-term growth and service enhancement.


Regarding the anticipated outcomes of the project - What were the facilitators or impediments to achieving them?

The anticipated outcome was a business plan for the Community Kitchens initiative. This was achieved. The organization and the entire Nova Scotian and Toronto communities facilitated the outcome through their enthusiasm and knowledge sharing.

I have expanded the volunteer base at CARC. When I started there was only one volunteer. Now there are seven more. This is quite a large volunteer base considering the are only two part-time employees (besides Melanie and myself) at the Ottawa office. One of the facilitators of achieving this goal was CARC itself. I found that many volunteers were very interested in the organization’s work and this is what drew them to applying the a certain volunteer position. A challenge that I came across while recruiting volunteers was their level of commitment, since employment must come before volunteer work. The brochure will also be used at volunteer fairs at University of Ottawa and Carleton this coming academic year. I have also increased the awareness of CARC through my volunteer source contacts. I have spoken with many schools, organizations, community groups, and associations in my search for volunteers. With each contact I have made, I have sent out information on CARC. At first it was a little difficult to think of ways to increase the awareness of CARC under the position of Volunteer Coordinator. However, I realized that through all my contacts with external organizations were an excellent way to let people know about CARC.

The project was part of a larger, ongoing organizational facelift. The project uncovered issues that the organization needs to address prior to implementing the business plan. I am staying on for a while (as long as the organization has funding) to implement the business plan. The business plan has received the buy-in from the executive director and other members of the board.

As initially anticipated, I was able to complete an internal analysis of the operation. I was supposed to perform some market research as an external analysis, but was not able to complete this do to time restriction. However, I will continue to work with them during my spare time to compete this project.

(a) Beginning of the implementation of an endowment fund plan -Yes achieved; Facilitators: Strong Shastri brand image, academia support - Impediments: Narrow or weak value offer, Lack of Indo-Canadian community involvement, Lack of Business entities involvement
(b) Updated Canada Studies Directory -Partially achieved because updating will be a long drawn process -Facilitators: Web based individual entity access to update own profile
-Impediments: Lack of individual motivation and value realization, Most people being on vacation because of summer
(c) Redesigning value propositions for members - Yes achieved as an integral part of fundraising plan. Developing new areas of association as per revised Institutional mandate -Yes achieved by defining and strengthening existing and new value offerings

The objective was to raise $7,000 and so we surpassed this outcome by about 25%. Another goal, was to bring value to the community and we did so by organizing a fun community event. The facilitators were first and foremost the great support from volunteers, from people who donated items and from contacts we already had with the organization and the media.


What were the impacts of the project as you see them?

The project is a major accomplishment for the organization as it allows them to take the first step towards implementing the Board’s new policy.

The main impacts of the project included: the introduction of technology to the staff of the NGO. I also managed to demonstrate the importance of proper document storage. They had computers I just showed them how to use the technology more efficiently.

The impacts of my project have been both short-term and long term. In the short-term, I have recruited many valuable volunteers who are helping CARC with various projects. They are all doing excellent work and in turn making the office more efficient. In the long-term, I see the volunteer program as a valuable asset to CARC. The manual can be used as a guide for future Volunteer Coordinators. The manual also ensures the volunteer program remains an important part of CARC once I have left.

1) Established systematic performance management and reporting system within the organization ; 2) Enhanced business knowledge and management skills among the management team

The project helped the organization see itself the way outsiders see it, it gave the organization perspective. It gave the organization the ability to question and address assumptions and patterns that the organization has fallen into. It initiated conversation within the organization and hopefully will generate some action.

I felt my work was greatly appreciated by Starworks and its staff. They were extremely cooperative and willing to work with me with great patients. I have made many suggestions and they were all accepted with very little resistance. There was a great wiliness for improvement in the organization; some of the suggestions were implemented the same day. I also introduced some spreadsheets and forms to implement more computer use in the office. Although they seemed a little intimidated, they were willing to learn and try new things which I felt very rewarding.

I see this project as the core initiative for long term survival and sustainability. I feel that this would also help foster a greater amount of business thinking in an otherwise academically focused organization.

The project is a major accomplishment for the organization as it allows them to take the first step towards implementing the Board’s new policy.

From a strategic standpoint, my work has resulted in a new focus for Northern Perspectives. It appears that it will now serve as more of a project-based reporting tool that will be targeted towards decision makers and other stakeholders, as opposed to a subscription-based journal targeted towards CARC’s donors. I also facilitated the process of finding new funding sources by researching a list of potential corporate partners. In addition I was able to give the organization a better understanding of its own donors, and work towards ensuring support for CARC in the future by developing relationships with Northern schools. I also hope to have assisted in improving the understanding of CARC’s role in the current Mackenzie Valley pipeline project among implicated communities by ensuring that all of these receive ample copies of the new issue of Northern Perspectives.


How did the project leave an impact on the organization?

The volunteer program that I have established has changed the way the organization deals with volunteers. There is more consistency and a commitment to a mutual satisfaction with regards to the tasks the volunteers take on. If continued once I am gone, the volunteer program will provide CARC with the assistance it requires to run efficiently.

The organization was able to provide partner organizations with more technically savvy reports. This left an impression of progress and showed the team to be ahead of the game. This gave them an edge over the competition; they felt better about themselves and were in a better position to bid on contracts.

The staff also gained valuable knowledge. I was somewhat successful in my knowledge transfer goals. My hope is that the NGO continues to use the techniques I demonstrated to them. I have heard that the colleague I trained has been able to step in and perform valuable tasks. This makes me quite satisfied.

It forced the organization to address strategic issues and created a dialogue about these in the organization.

The project was able to provide detailed quantitative analysis of its operation capacity, workers ability and limitations. It also allowed to be used as a basis to determine operation strategies. Based on the findings an operation meeting was held where detailed policies were discussed. An financial analysis was also completed that highlighted the cost allocation and examined profitability. Based on my findings, some changes were made immediately. The process of analysis provided an opportunity to implement new measures to the operations and set up spreadsheets that will allow to keep track of projects cost and profitability.

As mentioned earlier, this is a strategic initiative, much reflecting the current business realities of being customer focused and value driven. This project succinctly magnifies the gaps (in terms of funds, value offering and organization) that need to plugged before the institute becomes free from government support and funding.

My work provided the organization with a comprehensive analysis of the Quebec market.


What were some of the defining moments of the project for you? Tell us a story!

The entire project was an absolutely wonderful experience for me. The Nova Scotian community was so open and so welcoming – their generosity and warmth floored me. Every single person that I discussed the proposed initiative with, jumped onboard right away. It was the first time that I truly understood what great work a multi-sector, comprehensive initiative can achieve.

I think the defining moment of the program was on the second last week of my internship when I organized a volunteer get- together. I invited all of the volunteers, staff and chair of the board to a social gathering at the office. We provided wine and cheese as well as other drinks and snacks. It was a nice chance for all the volunteers to meet each other, since many of them do not interact when they are doing their volunteer service. All the volunteers enjoyed themselves and appreciated the chance to meet. I also took the chance to thank all of the volunteers for their commitment and superb service. For me, it was great to see all the people I have worked with for the past three months in one room in an enjoyable setting. It made me please to see that they were happy with their volunteer work, the volunteer program and CARC.

The defining moment of the project for me was when the Chair of the Board of Directors spent close to two hours with me over the phone discussing every point of the business plan. That made me realize how important the project was to the organization and how everyone wanted the business plan to be the best possible roadmap for the future of the organization.

A defining moment occurred when I submitted an outline of my promotional plan to my supervisor. I had worked to make it as free of business jargon as possible. Nonetheless, she told me that parts of it “look like Chinese”! This illustrated the chasm between the language of business and that of the non-profit sector. It reminded me of the importance of learning to speak both.

It was challenging to learn that a project with such great cause was struggling to take off. The operations provide working opportunities to people with developmental disabilities. Workers enjoy and try their best to do simple tasks day after day and are so happy to show up to work. Many of the workers do not understand why they cannot come to work during shortage of work. One of the ladies Nancy was so upset when told not to come to work that she complained to another social worker at a day care centre that the supervisor was being mean to her for not letting her come to work. I was touched by how much Starworks meant to their people. All workers make minimum wages and they are very proud of this fact. One of the workers David was happy to tell us that he was able to buy a bag of chips with the money he earned. The interaction with the workers I had shed a new meaning to working.

During the first half of the internship, more or less every small “breakthrough” was defining in a way, as each new bit of information that I received shaped my decisions for the final marketing plan. Most defining would have to be the conversations that I had with individual donors as I interviewed them. When asking people why they contributed to CARC, I was impressed with the backgrounds of many supporters and was motivated by their genuine caring and interest in CARC’s work. However, I also became aware of how elderly the majority of donors are, making me realize how important it was to focus my work on ensuring that young people become aware of the organization.

The best moment was at the Bazaar, when I saw volunteers and shoppers dancing to the beat of Kumpa’nia’s drums , kids laughing and eating ice cream. The atmosphere was very enjoyable and made me realize we are doing more than just raising money.


Did your understanding and appreciation of the voluntary sector change through this internship? How?

Yes. The voluntary sector is very dynamic. Through this internship I understood just how flexible and adaptable one needs to be in order to achieve the goals of the organization. This rewarding internship also gave me a greater appreciation for all the hours that numerous volunteers work behind the scenes. Without them, so many great organizations would not be able to perform such wonderful work.

I think my commitment to volunteerism has grown much stronger. My experience with the volunteers has increased my belief that volunteering can be beneficial for the volunteer, the organization and surrounding community. In response to the voluntary sector in general, I see it as a very important part of society. Without non-profit organizations, many social and environmental issues would not be addressed. Canadian society is a very complex one, and the government is not able to respond to all the needs of citizens. Organizations like CARC are able to work alongside the government and ensure that Canadians receive the consideration they deserve.

As an MBA student I found the experience to be at times frustrating. In Nepal there are many NGOs chasing after limited funding. I saw how many projects my colleagues had to chase after.They were not always able to secure funding and this was disheartening. I found that the director of the organization had to spend more time networking and fund raising then he did doing actual work. Even when you want to do great work you are constrained by the lack of funds.

Yes. The internship made me realize how tough the day-to-day work of the voluntary sector is. There is a constant worry about securing finances and the reliance on outside funding (rather than generating it yourself) is exhausting. I have come to have a greater appreciation for the work of NGOs, and a greater respect for the people who run NGOs.

My knowledge of the social sector was very minimal. I was not aware of the how much funding was cut by government and the impacts resulting from these changes. Many organizations are finding alternative methods to find ways to provide care to people who need them. It was also very challenging to make business decisions as it felt things were not cut and dry. In order to achieve one thing, you had to make choices and you could not satisfy all needs. I had the misunderstanding that if you are working towards a good cause, making decisions will not have any conflicts.

Yes. The voluntary sector is very dynamic. Through this internship I understood just how flexible and adaptable one needs to be in order to achieve the goals of the organization. This rewarding internship also gave me a greater appreciation for all the hours that numerous volunteers work behind the scenes. Without them, so many great organizations would not be able to perform such wonderful work.

Yes. I now possess a deeper understanding of the constraints related to working in the non-profit sector (constraints related to the lack of resources).

Yes it did, because in the voluntary sector, the important thing is to make a positive change while having fun. In the corporate world, everything is always so serious and so stressful. In the voluntary sector, you work as a team and you don’t have to prove yourself all the time.

Prior to participating in the program, I was unaware of the degree to which private philanthropic organizations support the voluntary sector. By being fortunate enough to work with the J.W McConnell Foundation (one of our major funding partners), taught me about how professional and resourceful these organizations are. I have a far better understanding and respect for the role they play in enabling positive social change.


Was having a management student in this organization a benefit, from your perspective? How, specifically?
Having a management student allowed the project to be conducted in a positive, professional and mature method that did not encroach on the organization’s good reputation. Management students bring a level of experience that is necessary for multi-sector comprehensive projects such as this one.

I think it was beneficial. Management students have a different perspective on how to do certain things. In my case specifically, I made the volunteer program organized and consistent. I applied various human resources techniques in the retention, training and recognition sections. I also used my marketing knowledge when planning recruitment strategies. If I was not a management student, I don’t think I would have had the same approach when creating the volunteer program.

I believe that my presence was a definite asset. I brought a different perspective and many ideas on how to improve efficiencies. I felt that I was listened to and this made my job easier. I made a big effort to fit in and the partner org was very willing to treat me as one of their own.

Yes. A management student can add a level higher of professionalism to the organization. Specifically, the organization can benefit from business practices, such as management systems, that can make the work of the NGO more successful. The management student can help clarify the message of the organization by applying business models and can make the message of the organization more concise and appealing to stakeholders.

I think a management student can talk about things like “competitors” or even “marketing” without being treated like a traitor (which is sometimes the reaction a regular staff member elicits). At least opening up the possibility for this kind of discourse is a useful contribution.

I received complements that I contributed by being very hands-on and not being afraid to interact with the workers. I was also able to add value by creating a process and spreadsheets to track costs and profitability on a timely manner which they were lacking. Many things such as keeping a record of business, or receiving confirmation in writing which felt like common practice in business was not in place at the time and it appeared to be a new concept to them. Having a chance to introduce a business perspective as a working example helped them understand the practice.

A management background helped in putting the issues in the right perspective. For example, I was able to define the fundraising strategies in terms of value that can be offered to prospective donors as against just a monetary value in the plan. All in all, a management background helped a global picture to evolve which then helped to descend to the implementation level with a greater conviction.

I do believe that the specific knowledge of marketing that I brought to CARC proved to be beneficial in the sense that I used a good deal of learned theory in developing my own marketing strategy recommendations. In addition I feel that management students are taught to think about problems in a more structured way than people without a business background. For instance, when I began working on my project I was immediately able to see how some of the outreach strategies being used for Northern Perspectives could be made much more efficient (by narrowing potential targets, using more web communication, etc.).

From my point of view, it seems that my experience allowed the other employees to have discussions about marketing & business concepts, processes and issues often seen in the for-profit world.

Yes, because of my organizational skills and no, because they don’t want the corporate values to affect them in their work. Therefore, I had to forget the values I learned through my work experience and adapt myself to these new values which personally I find much better.


Has this experience had an effect on your career choices or study options? How?
This experience has opened my news to many new career paths. As a result of this internship, I am seriously considering a career in non-profit management/consulting.

At this time in my career I doubt that I would choose the Non Profit path. I am taking a class in urban planning for the developing world, so I have not lost my interest in the field. I just feel that the industry would be too frustrating for me at this time. If I am fortunate enough to do well in my career and able to fund some development work, I would be open to coming back to the field as a donor. I would love to be able to exchange ideas with those in the field and fund some excellent projects.

I would definitely choose to work in this sector again. I think that the voluntary sector is a worthwhile area to apply my skills and knowledge.

I went into work as a consultant and my goal after graduation is to work as a consultant. I really enjoyed the experience of working for a great cause. It was inspiring to see people work so hard for others and at the same time how challenging it is to sell an idea of good cause. While there are many people interested in the cause, there is still a great prejudice towards people with developmental disabilities and working with them. I hope to continue being involved in this sector in my future career.

This experience has opened my news to many new career paths. As a result of this internship, I am seriously considering a career in non-profit management/consulting.

I am now confident that I want to work in the not-for-profit sector in the future. I truly enjoyed the work atmosphere at the CARC office, and the knowledge I gained of sustainable development issues in the Arctic (and the role of NGOs in tackling these issues) solidified my belief that there is a great need for people with business skills to work with not-for-profits (especially in the realm of marketing, outreach, and fundraising).

It did affect my career in that it confirmed the idea I had to be involved, in one way or another, with a non-profit organization.

This experience has made me aware of the vast opportunities to get involved in the voluntary sector. While I am currently looking at careers in consulting and accounting, I am also looking at volunteer opportunities where I can apply my professional skills to the benefit of a philanthropic organization. In addition, I have also continued to work with FNCFCS on a part time basis.


Would you choose to work in this sector again? Why?

Yes, because it provides you with a sense of fulfillment, of having contributed and self esteem which so much “We” as against “I”.

I would certainly consider working in this sector again. There is no other sector where one’s work brings such a sense of pride and good will.

Yes. I would choose a career with a positive impact on the world any day.

I really enjoyed the experience working with people but also realized its limitations. For example, knowing what the organization has to give up in order to provide working opportunities for a MBA student seemed mass that I felt the funds should be used to provide care to the clients than paying a business person. There are many free resources available to the organization that it has not utilized. I feel that it would be more appropriate for me to continue volunteering in this sector than working fulltime and I hope more business students will feel the need to volunteer in this sector.

I would choose to work in the sector again for three reasons: the non political nature of the voluntary sector makes it the best vehicle for positive social change, there are numerous opportunities to improve the efficiency and thus impact of voluntary sector organizations, my summer experience has proved to me that my educational background is useful in a non profit setting.

Yes. I find the problems faced by this sector fascinating. I think there must be a more sustainable business model for non-profit/volunteer organizations. Furthermore, I think the relationship between the players in the NGO “market”, such as non-profit organizations and the foundations that give money to them, will change in the future. I think this is a very interesting time for the non-profit sector.


I would certainly consider working in this sector again. There is no other sector where one’s work brings such a sense of pride and good will.


I was given a lot of autonomy that I would not have gotten in the private sector.

You can’t learn about how people work at an NGO if you don’t work along side them. If you want to learn about international development you have to experience it first hand. I felt fortunate to have been able to spend my summer in Nepal.

I have learned how the voluntary/non-profit sector operates, which I could not do in the private sector. Furthermore, the NGO sector depends more heavily on networks and cooperation/support from peer organizations, which is not a common phenomenon in the private sector. Therefore, I have learned the importance of cooperation and networking.

What it really means and takes to work for a good cause.

First hand experience is hard to replace in understanding how the lack of resources can hinder the growth of an organization.

FNCFCS gave me with far more opportunities to take on significant responsibility (such as designing a performance measurement system) than I would have had in an entry level internship in the private sector.



Please list some concrete & specific ways that you can help us promote CEI in your school when you go back.

I will definitely be telling my fellow students about the opportunities that exist through CEI. As president of the Rotman Outreach Club which strives to bring together the third sector and Rotman, I will be extolling the virtues of the non-profit internships and also holding an information session next year for those who wish to hear about the experience.

I think that posters in the main foyer of a University are a great way to advertise CEI. Also, in-class presentations are an effective way to let students ask questions and inform them on the various internships. I’d be willing to put up posters and speak to students about CEI and my internship.

I can give a talk about my experiences to the first year students. I would be more than happy to exchange ideas. U of T is quite corporate and I am not sure how many students would be open to this type of experience but I am willing to give it a shot.

1) CEI may establish an alumni community and keep everyone connected; 2) CEI keeps alumni updated on the new opportunities to involve in non-profit sectors, even after we graduate. I would be more than happy to help CEI and it’s clients in future.

I would volunteer for CEI events held in the city of residence. Consider attending events. Participation in some sort of discussion boards?? For example, if one of the alumni has a pressing issue, a discussion board may be setup on CEI website for all to contribute.

I will definitely be telling my fellow students about the opportunities that exist through CEI. As president of the Rotman Outreach Club which strives to bring together the third sector and Rotman, I will be extolling the virtues of the non-profit internships and also holding an information session next year for those who wish to hear about the experience.

I would be very happy to visit classes (Social Context of Business classes would probably be best) to advertise the program and to encourage students to apply, as well as assist with any other information or recruitment sessions that are organized. I will also ensure that CEI events and internships are properly advertised to the management student body on the MUS website and mass emails, and will work with the Bull and Bear newspaper to negotiate free advertising space for CEI.

I will try to find out if we can have a table in the cafeteria at HEC to promote CEI and do a mini-fundraiser for Santropol. I will also try to contact the school’s newspapers to see if I can write an article for them on my experience.

I would be more than happy to hold an information session for prospective recruits or speak about my experiences at school/club events that relate to the voluntary sector. I owe a huge debt to CEI and would be glad to take on any initiatives which strengthen the organization and its objectives.


Other comments:

I had a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to delve into the non-profit sector.

I would like to see more information sharing. If you are selected for an assignment then you should get a head start on the work by exchanging information with future colleagues. It would help, especially for international assignments, if you could get a feel for what you will be doing before getting to the assignment.

To be willing to do anything. Many organizations need help in not just one area and willing to help them in any way can open opportunities to new challenges and learning from the least expected. There are a variety of skills that you can share with them and it will be a great opportunity to develop leadership skills.

I had a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to delve into the non-profit sector.

Although there are obvious geographic constraints, I would have been nice to meet and network with other interns. Maybe it would make sense to have a few regional gatherings for close by CEI interns (e.g. Ottawa where a fair amount are often placed).

Thanks so much for this opportunity. It’s the best thing I could have done with my summer.

I just want to say that I am very grateful for this experience; it really made an impact on my life!

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