Kaushal Joshi
Kaushal Joshi is a rising senior at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego, majoring in both anthropology and global/international studies. This summer, he is learning more about his professional working style while supporting the Wilmer Eye Institute. Kaushal can see how this internship will be an enlightening first step toward his goals of working in advancement.
What drew you to this opportunity?
I want to use my growing interest in working in higher education, especially within international development and fundraising, to make the global students and alumni population feel connected to the institution. Moreover, the works and efforts of Johns Hopkins Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) encouraged me to learn more about this institution.
What are you most excited for during your internship?
I am excited to meet, connect, and learn from all the amazing staff members here at DAR. I am also thrilled to research the ins and outs of advancement to foster better ways to navigate stewardship and major giving.
What is your most memorable college experience?
My most memorable college experience was getting selected as a college ambassador. I told my story, experiences, and accomplishments for the university to celebrate on their social media platforms. I hope it encouraged and supported SUNY Oswego students and applicants who look like me, have the same background, and/or have the career goals and interests I do.
Where do you want to be in 10 years, and how can this internship help you get there?
In 10 years, I aspire to work in higher education while pursuing more effective ways to engage international students and patients through research, travel, and networking. I believe my ORIGINS internship is a great stepping stone to start my journey into advancement, especially at Johns Hopkins, which bolsters a growing international community within the academic and medical divisions.
What area of advancement is of most interest?
Frontline fundraising and donor relations are very intriguing areas of advancement. Hearing the experiences of so many fundraisers and gift officers helps me realize how rewarding the field of fundraising is. Through this internship, I want to learn the skills required to maintain a healthy relationship with donors where they feel heard and valued.
What area of Development and Alumni Relations interests you the most?
I want to maintain long-term relationships with our international alumni population. International students and alumni are some of the most undervalued persons in any institution, and reaching out to them would help the entire university.
What does philanthropy mean to you?
I believe philanthropy is a way to contribute to programs that can help, support, and serve public institutions and communities. Philanthropy is a divergence from focusing on personal good or the profit of one’s business. We need to celebrate the meaning behind philanthropy for all the change it can cause.
What excites you most about spending your summer in Baltimore?
Considering it is not so common in Oswego, New York, the warm and sunny weather makes me feel very positive and energetic here in Baltimore. I look forward to learning more about myself as a professional worker while exploring the city of Baltimore with Johns Hopkins University and Medicine.
What is your biggest take-away from what you’ve learned so far?
I learned not to be afraid of connecting with people around me to help navigate my efforts and plans. Everyone here at DAR wants you to succeed and find your purpose within the many areas of development and alumni relations.