I caught up with Kristina Elias of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh to hear about her journey from moving her Pittsburgh internship to a full-time job as a Development Associate.
“I didn’t think anything would come of it,” Kristina said of a speed-networking event sponsored by the RIC held last fall in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh aimed at connecting students with internship opportunities in the region. “I went to the event blindly, not really knowing what was going to be there and not thinking I made any real connections. A few days later Tom emailed me”.
The connections Kristina made led to an internship opportunity and then to a full-time job working for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Tom Baker, who first met Kristina at the RIC sponsored event was impressed immediately. “The thing that stood out about Kristina was the level of professionalism that she brought as a college student. We were very impressed when we interviewed during speed-networking event and she’s shown that same level of professionalism here with us at Big Brothers Big Sisters”
Kristina credits the Regional Internship Center event for introducing and connecting her to Tom Baker, Vice President of Operations for BBBS, but on her own, Kristina also stood out by going the extra-mile after the interview was over. “I was told by a friend that it’s a great idea to write thank you cards right after your interview, that way you are fresh in the employer’s mind and they can put the note to a face.” This tip paid off for Kristina, who is now happy balancing her job at BBBS with a job at her university and many extra curricular activities.
Kristina urges students and peers to get involved and network to find internships in Pittsburgh and internship opportunities in other communities, saying “You never know how the networks [that you've made] are going to help you, not only now, but also in your future!”
To learn more about how you can get involved in your community, visit Baker Leadership, contact anyone from the RIC team, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about getting involved, finding Pittsburgh internships and other internship opportunities!
