By James Irwin, University Public Affairs

Spring is here, which means it’s job season at Virginia Commonwealth University. VCU News spoke with students and recent graduates about their jobs and internships — and their career aspirations.

Candace Martin
Class of 2016, School of Social Work
Internship: Circles Ashland (summer 2016)
Job: Circles Ashland (January 2017)

Candace Martin was wrapping up her internship at Circles, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce poverty in Ashland and Hanover County in Virginia, when she was asked an important question by her executive director, David Cooper.

“[He] asked what my thoughts were about my next steps,” Martin said. “And I said I would like to spend more time [at Circles]. I was doing policy formation, I was at board meetings and had the ability to help shape programs. I wasn’t done and had a lot more I wanted to do.”

Cooper offered Martin a part-time job to stay at Circles. Four months later, he hired Martin full-time as the organization’s program director. Martin, who graduated in August with a concentration in social work administration, has been in her full-time role since January.

“For me this is a wonderful opportunity to get leadership experience at a small nonprofit, as opposed to being at a larger nonprofit where getting that leadership experience can be more challenging,” she said.

Securing that opportunity at a familiar place is beneficial, Martin said.

“It helps you build on the skills you’ve already started working on, and it allows you to continue doing that in a familiar environment,” she said. “If you have a great internship, the ability to potentially continue as an employee is really valuable.”