Seeking a Career That Aligns With Your Beliefs

Many students seek employers that are aligned with their interests and values. One of the best ways to explore is to volunteer or intern throughout your time at UConn. I remember when COVID-19 hit I rededicated my life to my faith. During this time, I grew extremely close to my faith and became very passionate about my spiritual journey. In my junior year, I was positioned to become the President of Huskies in Christ at UConn. I then realized how important it was for me to work at a job that truly empowered and aligned with my beliefs. I decided I want to find  a job that I was passionate about and that enhanced my desire to serve others. As a dedicated follower of my religious belief, not only do I want to put my faith into action in my personal life but also in my work life.

The basic approach is similar to looking for other internships, but it’s not going to be as easy because there are fewer centralized sites. It would be best to look at faith-based organizations to help you dig deeper and find jobs and internships that suit your interests and values. It’s best to seek out organizations that would help find what you’re looking for by working on missions, volunteering, fundraising, etc.

Here is how to approach jobs and organizations that have opportunities to put your faith into action in the work field:

Seek out larger organizations that have opportunities.

For Christianity, there is an organization called Samaritan’s Purse. Their mission statement is “Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ”.

Go to the website, review their application process and then outline what you will need assistance on. When you’re on their website go to ‘get involved’ and check out their internship programs. Internship dates are listed and the Samaritan’s Purse Global Internship Program is a great way to create new skills. It also helps practice your faith by gaining work experience whether that’s working at their international headquarters or at one of their office fields around the globe.

For Buddhism, there is an organization called Buddhist Monasteries. Their mission statement is “Our mission is to empower marginalized communities, with a focus on the women and children, through enhanced educational programs and whole community training to promote equality, economic well-being, and basic human rights”.

Review their application process and then outline what you will need assistance on. When you are on their website go to ‘projects’ and click internship projects. There are many internship projects listed in great fields like education, medication, communication, and women empowerment studies. The internship projects are designed to give practical knowledge about working environments to fresh graduates or individuals getting into the job market.

For Islam, there is an organization called WNY Muslims. Their mission statement is “Our Mission is to empower Muslim and non-Muslim members of our community with the means of progressive voice, effective connectivity/networking, and positive contribution through innovative media with the sheer intention of creating awareness, encouraging diversity, and providing service”.

Review their application process and then outline what you will need assistance on. Underneath the ‘opportunities’ tab click volunteer and internships. They have great community work but also plenty of opportunities to gain marketing skills and great work experience. They specialize in nonprofit administration, writing, P.R., graphic design, and so much more. You can fill out an internship form on that page.

For Judaism, there is an organization called The Jewish Museum. The mission statement is “As an identity-based institution representing a historically marginalized people, the Museum plays an important role among cultural institutions to fight against all forms of bigotry and discrimination and to promote understanding among wide audiences”.

Review their application process and then outline what you will need assistance on. Go to their website and click internships. The Jewish Museum has great internships and volunteer opportunities in NYC! You could also fill out their volunteer form stating which position you are applying for and email it to them.

If you find an organization that you are interested in – it may not have a dedicated internship program – but you can look under their volunteer section- and find opportunities that could be hands-on like running an event or even fundraising.  For example, with World Vision – There is a warehouse in Hartford, and you could volunteer as an individual or a group. There is an organization called Hindu American Foundation, that you can support by getting involved by attending and supporting their events through advocacy on major issues. There is also an Islamic organization called Muslim Girl with great internship opportunities.

Make an appointment at the Center for Career Development to complete your application – which will most likely include a resume and cover letter. Continue to check emails on a regular basis for updates about the job and reach out to the Career Center with any questions.

Staff at the Center for Career Development can help you develop cover letters, build your resume, LinkedIn and Handshake profiles, and much more. They will also be able to help you through the application process, and help answer any questions that may come up when applying for the position. To schedule a time to meet with one of our Career Coaches, click here.

Photo Credit: Campaign Creator via Unsplash

By Mirela Bregu
Mirela Bregu