Ashoka

Continuing further into the week, BYU Career Counselors, Heidi Vogeler and McKenzie Lawyer Davies visited BYU Alumna, Amy Dalebout at Ashoka in Arlington, Virginia.

Ashoka leads the social entrepreneur field in Washington. As such, the student fit is especially important.

Here is some information that Amy shared:

• Ashoka has about 200 full-time employees, 40 temp workers (during needed times) and 30-50 unpaid interns (these employees are everywhere from Washington DC to Africa, Latin America, and Europe)
• Ashkoa does not receive government money, but does utilize the help of hundreds of volunteers around the world
• Ashoka's five-year strategic plan includes increased growth from entry-level to executive leadership
• Ashoka has specific fit and five criteria that they look for:
• Entrepreneurial abilities
• Resonance with the Ashoka mission
• Collegiality ("Everyone is a change-maker."
• Ethical Fiber
• Vision
• A new "A*Year" program is a pilot program at Ashoka to help find new talent
• 13-month position
• 80% teamwork, 20% other project work
• Goal to strengthen entry-level talent and expose them to various aspects of the organization
• Shorter hiring process  
• $33,000 Bachelors, $40,000 Masters
• Compensation is based on local and cost of living

Advice for Interested Students

Because there is so much interest, Amy offers this advice to students:

• Tailor your resume! (Draw entrepreneurial experience to the to the top focus)
• Network with alumni, but don't monopolize everyone's time (if there is more than one at any given organization, choose one to reach out to and be aware that usually alumni talk to each other)
• Think hard about the entrepreneurial field and whether it is your passion 

About Ashoka

Ashoka is leading a profound transformation in society. In the past three decades, the global citizen sector, led by social entrepreneurs, has grown exponentially. Just as the business sector experienced a tremendous spurt in productivity over the last century, the citizen sector is experiencing a similar revolution, with the number and sophistication of citizen organizations increasing dramatically.

Rather than leaving societal needs for the government or business sectors to address, social entrepreneurs are creating innovative solutions, delivering extraordinary results, and improving the lives of millions of people.

It is this insight into the power of social entrepreneurs that led Bill Drayton to found Ashoka in 1980 and that continues to guide Ashoka today.

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For more information or to connect with Amy Dalebout, contact BYU Career Services via our website or call us at (801) 422-6535.