Internships that Change Lives, a Spotlight on Kiva’s Internship Program

Nelly is a 60 years-old woman who lives in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Columbia.  She makes an annual income of $8,800 from selling homemade clothing and earns just enough for her and her family of seven to survive. For Nelly every day is a question mark, but incredibly things are getting better.  This past year she received a loan. It was from someone she had never met before, who lived half way around the world, and it helped her buy a new sewing kit, dramatically increasing her ouput, giving her a small financial cushion to protect against the worst.

Six years ago helping someone like Nelly felt impossible.  Today, one organization, Kiva, has provided over $248 million in micro-loans to poverty stricken individuals just like Nelly and in doing so has redefined what is possible in global giving. Their model, like all great innovations, is brilliant in its simplicity: help individuals stuck in systemic poverty share their story online and then streamline the process for donors to give and track loans that will help these individuals lift themselves into a better life.

So far over 98% of the loans to these needy individuals have been repaid and the organization continues to grow in size and impact.

Recently we had the pleasure of speaking to Rachael Caine, Kiva’s internship coordinator. It came as no surprise that the same principles for innovation and progressiveness that encompass Kiva’s lending model are seen throughout the organization, and in their world leading internship program.

I have summarized my question and answer session with Rachael below — here is an inside look at Kiva’s internship program and a few hints on how you can get ahead in the application process!

Q: What makes interning at Kiva different?

Kiva has two types of intern, both offer a unique and invaluable experience. First, Kiva has a variety of Office Interns, who work at the organization headquarters in San Francisco and include IT, marketing, grant writing, and other specialty interns. Second, Kiva has Fellows, who go into the field, in countries around the world and work with Kiva’s partners and lenders.

If you intern in San Francisco this is a 6-month full-time commitment, which is a good thing, because every intern is fully immersed in their field of study, taking on high-level projects. This is one of the things that stood out to me the most in my conversation with Rachael–Kiva truly believes in their interns, and sees them as valued employees not part-time help.

Fellowships operate a bit differently, they run for four months, in countries ranging from Bolivia to Rwanda– a truly life defining experience for those who are selected.

Q: What will a student learn working at Kiva?

First and foremost, students will receive an unbeatable education on microfinance and the non-profit model. There are few other organizations with as much of a track record for creating social change as Kiva, and as an intern you will be in the heart of it all.

On a more day-to-day level, students will get to work with professionals in their field of interest whether that is web development or grant writing. However, at Kiva, an intern doesn’t just learn about their field, you get to learn about how every department in the organization operates. This is because Kiva hosts a brown bag lunch every 2 weeks, led by a different employee who shares their role in making Kiva a success. This brown bag lunch format is really cool, because it lets you network with the whole office and truly explore which parts of the NFP interest you most.

Q: What are some exceptional experiences interns might expect working at Kiva?

Curious what it was like building Kiva from the groung up? A coffee session with Matt Flannery and Premal Shah, co-founder and president of Kiva has been a part of the program for a few years now. Both Matt and Premal are world famous social entrepreneurs who enjoy sharing insights with each intern class.

For those at the San Francisco office, expect to be working in one of the coolest parts of the city (currently in the heart of the mission district, but moving to the equally fun SOMA area soon). For those working in other countries around the world, deep cultural immersion is just the beginning.

Q: How do I get involved?

Kiva is selective but this doesn’t mean Ivy League only. Rachel says their ideal candidate is “A self-starter and go-getter, who is passionate about their mission,” Also being “Easy-going and fun” helps as well.

Kiva has had students from colleges across the world take part in their program and encourages all students to apply, who fit the above criteria to apply.

If this sounds like a dream internship come true, Kiva is accepting applications for upcoming classes in October, April and July – you can apply right now!