More reasons why D-SIP should be your summer plans…

An intern from 2009 reveals his reasons for applying to D-SIP:

Looking at the website over winter break in 2008, I thought to myself, what experience could take my college career to the next level.  I had several internships in the years before at corporations and private businesses, but I recently changed my major and wanted to try something different.  Little did I know that the Development Summer Internship Program was not only different, but a life changing experience.  Just as I had changed my major, I didn’t know what I wanted, other than something to challenge myself.  D-SIP proved to be demanding and resourceful.  Between the networking, friendships, knowledge and experiences, I would have to say I made the right choice in applying.

I was always active in college and I think that is one reason why I heard about D-SIP.  One of the principles of philanthropy is committing to a purpose for the greater good of society with your time, talent, or treasure.  At UM-Dearborn’s campus, I was involved with several organizations like Student Government, Amnesty International and United Way’s Alternative Spring Break.  It was experiences like these that created an affinity for me towards philanthropy and development in general.  I’m sure many of you have been involved in multiple organizations as well, and have great experiences to share.

You not only learn about philanthropy in higher education, but you experience working in one of the many departments within the University of Michigan Office of University Development, one of the best in the nation!  The University is truly one of the Leaders and Best.  That being said, D-SIP itself is an award winning program which other universities have modeled programs after.  If you’re unsure of what you want to do this upcoming summer, and want to give something new a try, I highly recommend applying. 

You’ve probably heard about the trip up north to Petoskey and the great class that comes along with the internship from previous participants, but there is nothing like actually experiencing it.  You will walk away with a greater appreciation for the University.   And let’s be real, it’s a paid internship with meaningful work, you can’t beat that!

If you feel like you’re a good candidate, take a moment to reflect on your experiences and how they personally will set you apart in the application process.  I can highly attest to the fact that it is worth it.  If it wasn’t for my D-SIP experience I wouldn’t be working as a development officer today!

Sincerely,

Muhi

Associate Development Officer
Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

D-SIP 2009
UM-Dearborn:  Discovery Initiative/Oral History Intern
Class of 2009

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The Apollo 15 mission put a U of M placard on the moon. Pretty cool but…

is D-SIP cooler?  Check out this video to find out!

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7921281/

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Before you submit your application…

D-SIP Program Assistant, Katy Wallander, asked me to share some “insider tips” on applying to D-SIP. As the program designer and current director, I have a few helpful hints:

1)      Development does not refer to the construction of buildings on campus (although we do help raise the funds for those projects). Knowing this is key!

2)      Each year Merriam Webster shares her definition of philanthropy with us. Actually so does her English cousin, Oxford. While we certainly appreciate Merriam’s insights,  no need to quote her in your application.

3)      Katy Wallander and I have very similar names. We did this purposely (or rather our parents did). It’s critical to pay close attention to detail in our line of work and telling the difference between Katy Wallander and Kat Walsh is the first step in demonstrating to us that you have this skill.

In all seriousness though, we want to hear your voice in the application. We are looking for curious applicants who continually want to be challenged and learn about the world around them (note: most organizations are looking for these qualities). When writing a cover letter, tailoring your resume, or responding to our statements of purpose/essays, think about the following:

1)      If I had 10 essays and blinded all of them, would your  friends say, “This one belongs to my friend.” If they can’t, then your voice has been lost.

2)      Remember when you wrote your admissions essay to Michigan? You made sure that it represented you because you wanted the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to say, “We need this person at Michigan.” When crafting a cover letter or responding to our questions, you want us to say, “Wow. We need to interview this person, because we want to learn more about their personal and professional aspirations.”

My hope is that the information above was helpful. You have so many resources at your disposal at Michigan, from career centers to writing help centers to advisors who want to help you to alumni of our program.  Ask them for help. Have them read over your application. And this goes for any competitive internship/fellowship/program you are considering applying to. I cannot say enough about the opportunities afforded to you through D-SIP (and did you hear? We raised your pay to $10.25 an hour!). I hope that you consider applying. Good Luck and Go Blue!

 — Kat Walsh, Program Director

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