While every week of CLA is fun and informative, Week 8 shines brightly as one of the best experiences I’ve had this summer. The week was centered around the future, preparing for what lies ahead, and moving forward in our career goals. All of these lessons were also intertwined with honest fun and silly moments as a cohort.
Dj Erika performing during the Mock Fundraiser.
On Monday, we heard from members of Cerity Partners to help us be more financially savvy- an aspect of my life that is embarrassingly underdeveloped and avoided. This session helped me face my insecurities and wake up to the reality I often try to neglect– you have to know money to earn (and save) money. After this session of learning about finances, my insecurities became points of ambition and gave me the motivation to start changing.
CLA interns during a resume workshop session with CLI alum Jason Song.
Later that afternoon, we conducted our Mock Fundraiser as part of the Mock Campaign Project. I had the honor of DJing the event, but the real honor was seeing how our hard work and collaboration paid off in producing the fundraiser. I was thoroughly impressed with all of my team’s dedication and effort in making sure our event ran smoothly. My fellow interns brought out the best versions of themselves during the fundraising event, and I was so touched by the collective ambition of each individual. From food, check-in, emceeing, ushering, monitoring the agenda, and the candidate herself, I was thoroughly impressed with what we were able to accomplish.
Interns Kenny Lê and Erika Au with Travis Kaya during the career networking panel.
On Friday, we focused specifically on our resumes and networking with individuals from different career fields. I really enjoyed talking with all of the panelists, because it made me hopeful that when I find a job I enjoy, I will also be able to help and mentor others who could use advice. The common sentiment across all the panelists was that I was going to be fine either way, and it's really about what you want to do in the context that you’re in. Each one was open-minded and candid about their journey to the point where they are now. It was helpful to hear about their experiences from when they were little, to when they were my age and also making choices about their future. It was a needed talk, as the revelation hit me that I was about to start the next chapter of my life. Instead of being anxious and nervous from these talks, (which is what I normally feel after pondering about my future), I had a pep in my step and a wave of fresh motivation uplifted my spirits. I am so optimistic about my future and how CAUSE will impact my life. I am super excited and grateful for what’s to come, and I know that CAUSE has effectively laid the foundation for my next steps.
CLA interns with the Mock Endorsements Panel.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of CAUSE or the CAUSE network.
Written by Erika Au, Leadership Academy 2023 Intern.
The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) for students is a nine-week, paid, internship program that prepares college undergraduates to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community on their campuses and beyond.