A Passion for Non-Profit

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Melissa Correa

Sustainability Policy and Regulation Associate, JPMorganChase

Class of 2020
BBA in Marketing - Global Marketing Management with a Minor in Peace and Justice Studies

Member Of: Student Government Association, Pace Sustainability Initiative, L.O.V.E Mentors College Mentor, Celentano Grant Recipient

Melissa Correa '20, a Global Marketing Management major on our New York City campus, came to New York from Florida in search of a global business education that would provide her with experience-based learning. With the goal of taking advantage of all opportunities that she encountered on her path, Melissa interned with Lubin's Office of Communications and External Relations. She has also had numerous leadership roles within the Student Government Association. This summer, she discovered her passion for the non-profit world through a Wilson Center internship. We talked to her about her internship and how she lives her #LubinLife.

Why choose Lubin/Pace? What set Lubin/Pace apart from other universities?

I chose the Lubin School of Business because of their emphasis on experiential learning, which suits me best, as I am a hands-on learner. Additionally, Lubin has offered me many opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and advance as a professional.

What types of opportunities and resources have you been taking advantage of as an undergraduate at Lubin?

I have been very intentional about taking advantage of the many opportunities offered at Pace University, specifically multiple internships, leadership positions, global learning experiences, and scholarships. Currently, I am interning full time at a non-profit called MindLeaps. I have also had the opportunity to work for the Office of Communications and External Relations at Lubin as the Marketing Intern. I was lucky enough to be awarded the Celentano grant for studying abroad, so next January I will be traveling to Singapore and Malaysia for an International Marketing Field Study course. As a part of my global education, I studied abroad in Barcelona last summer. Furthermore, I volunteer for a non-profit called L.O.V.E Mentors where I help teach high school girls in urban communities about college readiness, self-empowerment, and mental and reproductive health. Since the start of my college career, I have been an active member of the Student Government Association, taking on the positions of Public Relations Chair, Lubin School of Business Vice President, and Junior Class President. My sophomore year, I was a Peer Leader, a Pace Path Finder, and I interned at a fashion and hospitality Public Relations firm called Think PR.

Having a full-time internship with a company that does such amazing work for children in Africa is remarkable. Finding new ways to bring awareness to the cause is my main point of focus this summer. It has been great to see the importance of marketing in a field I have never encountered before.

Tell us a bit about your internship experience and working with the Wilson Center.

I was able to obtain a Marketing and Development internship at MindLeaps through Pace University's Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship. It has been great to be able to work with others that have a huge passion for giving back. MindLeaps is a non-profit that uses dance to improve the cognitive and social emotional skills of vulnerable youth in Africa in order to better prepare them for school and the workplace. Having a full-time internship with a company that does such amazing work for children in Africa is remarkable. Finding new ways to bring awareness to the cause is my main point of focus this summer. It has been great to see the importance of marketing in a field I have never encountered before.

How will you apply what you learned there to the rest of your career? What comes next?

I’ve learned a lot about how small non-profits work (e.g., donor relations, marketing for fundraising, and event planning). I have also had the opportunity to conduct research on various countries and their current events. After this summer, I plan to continue to work in the non-profit sector because I found that I enjoy working hard for a cause that I believe in. I hope to expand my horizons and learn more about international markets and different cultures.

What motivates you to work hard?

My family and future motivate me to work hard. I always set goals and try my best to accomplish them. My motto is: "always hold yourself accountable and make your family proud." Doing what you genuinely enjoy also makes all the hard work worth it.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking for internships?

Start with Career Services and start early! Stop by their office at 41 Park Row. Everyone is extremely nice and helpful; they want to see you succeed and become the star they know you are meant to be. From hosting workshops to providing private appointments, they are a very good resource to take advantage of at Pace University.

In a few words, how do you define #LubinLife?

#LubinLife means community. Being an active student in the community and an intern at the Lubin School of Business, I see all the amazing things my fellow peers are doing. #LubinLife exemplifies the hard work and dedication we all put forth to further our careers and make the most of our time here at Pace University.