Internship recap: How I built community and increased this nonprofit’s social media following by more than 30% in a year
USC student Giovanna Barragan used transferrable skills to land a social media internship, where she learn the ins and outs of marketing and increase the brand’s Instagram following by more than 30% and reach by more than 6,600%. Here is her approach and the lessons I learned to help you in your internship.
Building Healthier Communities: Alison Paxtor’s Career Path in Public Health
Now, catching up with her three years after earning her bachelor’s degree in health sciences from California State University, East Bay, Alison Paxtor is still filled with dedication to her community and impact in the public health and healthcare industry.
This is What First-Gen Day Means to Me: A Message From Isabel Reyes
First-gen college student studying cinema and media studies at UC Davis, Isabel Reyes, shares about what it means to be the first in her family pursuing higher education and how support from Making Waves donors makes a positive impact.
The Future of Work: How AI Could Impact the Path to Economic Mobility for Young People
VP of Career Launch Daisy Han breaks down how AI is impacting job opportunities and pathways to economic mobility – and which Making Waves programs are closing the opportunity gap.
My Motivation: My Drive to Advance Health Equity for All
First-gen college grad Alison Paxtor shares about her purpose and motivation in her public health and healthcare career as well as how she overcame challenges in college to reach her career goals post-grad.
How I Won 10 College Scholarships – and How You Can Too
Applying to college or university scholarships involves a technique, just like applying to jobs. Here are 10 practical tips for getting funding for higher education from a college student who has been there.
Pitch Perfect: My Tips on How to Discover Your Voice in Public Relations
Loyola Marymount grad Chaylah Williams shares five lessons from PR, social media, and sports media internships.
How to Get Work Experience When You’ve Never Had Work Experience
If you’re a high school student in the Bay Area’s Contra Costa County, we have several programs designed to help you gain the experience employers are looking for, without needing any prior work background. Plus, here are other resources and opportunities that don’t require previous experience.
Survivor’s Guide to Being a BIPOC Student in College
Many first-year college students face similar challenges finding community, but colleges understand this fact and offer lots of resources. Here are some ways to navigate college life as a Black, Indigenous and Person of Color, or BIPOC, student.
Three Free Resume Tools for Recent Grads
Our Making Waves career team has developed a baseline resume template, informed by conversations with hiring and HR professionals.
Want to get a free flight and stay for a college visit? These ‘fly-in’ programs are now open
A college or university fly-in program is a fully funded multi-day opportunity (virtually or in person) to explore colleges and universities for students who may not have the financial means to travel and visit their campuses.
Making Waves College Graduates Cross the Finish Line with Confidence and Courage
The class of 2025 shares their inspiring college journeys, post-grad plans – from sports PR to vaccine development – and how Making Waves helped them thrive through challenges, internships, and community impact.