Ruby Larson
- Program Data and Evaluation Intern ---- ePortfolio Peer Mentor
- Roots of Success and Center for Experiential Learning at Loyola
School Information
School: Loyola University Chicago
College Major: Other
Years at College Works: 2014
Career Information
Working For: Roots of Success and Center for Experiential Learning at Loyola
Title: Program Data and Evaluation Intern —- ePortfolio Peer Mentor
Industry: Education
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
At Roots of Success, I am their program data and evaluation intern. Primarily, I read and analyze research and look into other successful non-profits. I take my analysis and see how we can apply what has been successful and unsuccessful in other agencies to our non-profit. Roots of Success is 5 years old and has less than 10 employees. My work allows Roots of Success to think about implement strategies that will allow the company to expand and thrive. At the Center for Experiential Learning, I serve as an ePortfolio Peer Mentor. I aid faculty, professors, and students in creating their reflective online portfolio. I help technically (understanding the online source we use, presenting how to create the portfolio) and on the organizational level (focusing on how to have the student body be interested in using ePortfolio’s as a reflection piece, how can we get other university departments to adopt ePortfolio’s, etc.).
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?I’ve been really proud of balancing a part-time internship, part-time job, and Vice Presidency position of my sorority.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting was not only an incredible experience that truly pushed me to grow and succeed as an entrepreneur, but it taught me about myself: how I want to conduct business and the impact I hope to leave behind.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
I have not yet graduated, but I can assure you that talking about my work with College Works Painting has provided me with all positions I have applied to since working with College Works Painting.
What do you want to tell your clients about what it meant to work with them and how it has helped you get to where you are today?
My client Amy (completed the project in August 2014, can’t remember last name but lives on Glenlake Ave in Chicago). Amy ended up becoming a second mom to me while I was working on her house. She spoke to me as more than a contractor working on her house. She asked me about my life and about my future and my thoughts. She helped me realize that even when it can be incredibly tough that people at their roots are kind. She helped me open up and made sure I was laughing every time I saw her. She reminded me that although doing my job was important, to not take myself and the job too seriously.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
To be 100% passionate about the career you end up in.
How have the friendships and networks you built during CW affected you?
I’ve stayed in contact with some of the branch managers from my team and some of the district managers from 2014. I think maintaining a relationship with these people has been incredibly beneficial because I think unless you’ve been a part of College Works Painting, you can’t relate as well. These people went through the same stresses and successes as you, and staying in contact with them has resulted in some of the most fun experiences.
If you had to come up with a one line slogan for CW, what would it be?
College Works Painting: Work your butt off and be prepared for the rest of your life.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
Potential: DO IT. You will likely work harder than you’ve ever worked in your life. But the rewards make the experience worth it. You will be prepared for any work that comes your way and you will learn an incredible amount about yourself. Current: I know it’s tough but I promise it’s worth it in the long run. Stay on top of your game.
Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?
I’m a psychology major. I didn’t have an interest in being an entrepreneur before the internship and I still don’t have that interest post internship. Doing the College Works Painting internship was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The College Works Painting internship provides you with a self-knowledge and transferrable skills. It’s a completely transformative experience and you will be able to market your time in College Works Painting and relate your experience to any future positions. Every employer wants to know that you are a determined, self-motivated employee. You can market these skills (amongst a lot of other skills) that you have gained from the College Works Painting internship program.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
As I’m still in undergrad I don’t have quite as professional of advice but what I can say is be a sponge. Soak up every opportunity you can. If you’re not sure what road you want to go down in life, try different types of opportunities. The more experiences you expose yourself to the better you will be able to understand yourself and understand your wants and needs from life.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
My favorite memory was having my fellow branch managers consistently freak out about having the safety inspector drop by when I never had to sweat it.
Last words of wisdom?
Be aware of how impactful and transformative this opportunity is and continue to soak up as many opportunities as possible.