Japan America Society of Chicago

Chicago, IL

www.jaschicago.org

September 2015-December 2015

Description: This was an academic internship focused on non-profit organization and event services. The Japan America Society of Chicago is a non-profit organization with a long standing history in Chicago. The society has been around for 85 years and I anticipate it will do nothing but grown in the future. The orgazniation is dedicated to providing opportunities for education, friendship and cross-cultural exchange of economics, politics, culture and more between the U.S. and Japan. To do this, they host numerous events, usually over 50 a year. Many focus on networking or forums of important global affairs. My role at JASC was to assist in the day-to-day operations of the office, volunteer at events and provide registration assistance, create promotional pieces for the annual fundraiser and other miscellaneous tasks as needed. 

Reflection: This experience was my first time with a no-profit organization. It was refreshing to work in an environment that was focused on helping the community rather than simply generating business. Of course the organization has to maintain membership levels and encourage people to come to events to stay afloat, but there is a healthy balance. The team I worked with was small but extremely friendly. I was able to learn a lot about the successes and difficulties of running a non-profit in the U.S. Overall, I was extremely intrigued by the non-profit sector and would enjoy either becoming a board member of one I was passionate about, or possibly working for one some day. 

Reference:

Eirka Kono

Director of Administration and Logistics

kono@jaschicago.org