16 January 2008

Today, I had an interview for an Internship at a not-for-profit company called Blackbaud. Basically what they do is create IT software for not-for-profit companies to help them manage and raise their funds. I heard from Andrea at the University that they were excited about my background, so my fear was that they were going to suggest I assist them in Project Management, which is what I didn't want to do.

Their office is located in Waterloo (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=11+york+st,+waterloo,london,+england&sll=51.447134,-0.327594&sspn=0.004467,0.008272&ie=UTF8&ll=51.502064,-0.117373&spn=0.008923,0.016544&t=h&z=16&om=0), which is close to the London Eye and the heart of the city. They're on the 15th floor and have a REALLY great view of the city. Their offices are really tiny. Everybody is squeezed in there... with teeny tiny cubicles. I honestly don't know where they would put me!

The interview went really well. I met with Mark, their Financial Director. He asked me what I wanted to do and what I didn't want to do. I told him that ideally, I would love to do some sort of rotation within the Finance department so I can get a broad understanding of what each role is, making it easier for me to determine what it is that I would like to do in my future. I didn't want to work in Project Management, unless it was related to Finance in some capacity. He agreed and explained all of the different areas of Finance in their tiny office and mentioned that they have several reports that are going back to the US that they would need help on. He said if I was ever bored or didn't like a task, to let him know and they will be happy to find me something else.

I thought this was great! The other place I had interviewed at had a set list of tasks the Interns would be responsible for. I was a little disappointed in that I didn't think I was going to get the experience I was looking for. They ended up not hiring me anyway because they thought that I was over qualified and I would have been bored. But with Blackbaud, I certainly will not be bored and will finally have the learning experience I was hoping to get out of this trip!

He asked me if I had any further questions and, of course, I did. I wanted to know if the company offered any concessions (i.e., pay for travel expenses, lunches, etc.). He said, "We will definitely pay for your travel to and from the office. We don't want for you to be put out of pocket to come to work with us. Also, depending on how much value you add, we will add on a little extra at the end of your Internship." That's GREAT! My other question was, "Are there any opportunities for full-time employment after the internship is over?" And he said, "Actually, there is! We have 12 positions coming open in January, 8 in February, and 5 in March. If you see something that you're interested in, feel free to apply for it. We will take care of the visa for you as well." This couldn't have been any better for me. What a great opportunity! I get to learn new things in my FIELD... FINALLY.. and I may have the opportunity to stay for as long as I want! I'm SO excited!! Now, we'll just have to see if they like me enough to keep me around for a while.

Before I left, Mark gave me a tour of the tiny office. He said they will treat me like I am one of their own and will tell me on Tuesday about the gym membership they have (yes!) and other benefits for working with the company. I can't wait to start working on Tuesday! Never thought I would say that...