Community Impact Initiatives

The business skills and knowledge you build as a D'Amore-McKim graduate student position you to make an impact—and that can be a powerful way to drive positive change in the community. That's why the Graduate Career Center offers you the chance to participate in a Community Impact Initiative, where you'll put your learnings into practice at a nonprofit organization working for the greater good.  

You'll work as part of a team of master's and MBA students with complementary skill sets—building connections outside your program and growing your professional network, which will help further your professional journey. 

Full-time graduate degree students studying on our Boston campus can apply to consult remotely or in a hybrid format with a mission-driven organization. You'll contribute up to nine hours weekly for 10 weeks—an entire summer semester—helping your organization undertake an important initiative. Through your coursework—designed with input from our corporate partners—you'll learn as much from experience as you will from textbooks.

Benefits

Spend a summer helping a nonprofit achieve its goals   

  • Apply your business learnings in a setting where results change lives 
  • Make a meaningful impact on the world 
  • Build valuable connections as you network with leaders in the nonprofit sector and students from different programs 
  • Showcase skills that employers value, including effective communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving   
  • Add a meaningful experience to your resumé 

Timeline

“I've shared the positive experiences we've had with your students and the impact they've made on our organization with our Board, highlighting their contributions and the value they bring.” 

 Pat Hubbell: Co-Founder and Executive Director of Candorful

Past Community Impact initiatives

  • Helped a New York City-based literacy program use data and marketing to diversify their volunteer base 
  • Created a comprehensive marketing plan for an organization focused on helping transitioning members of the military and their spouses to civilian careers  
  • Used analytics skills to help a Kenya-based nonprofit focused on providing scholarships to low-income families onboard to a modern data platform  
  • Developed a financial forecast for a Michigan-based anti-poverty organization  

Summer Employment Statistics

  • 37 students participated in the Community Impact Initiative (14 MSBA, 12 MSQF, 6 MSx / MSIM, 5 MBA)
  • Approximately 2,000 hours of work were done this summer to support seven nonprofit organizations
  • Nonprofits participating in this program include: Behind the Book, Candorful, Center for Women and Enterprise, Crossroads of Michigan, Hatua Network, Hudson River Park, The Trustees
  • Behind the Book was aided by students from four different programs, allowing each student to apply their studies uniquely when problem-solving

Who is eligible?

If you're enrolled in one of these programs, you're eligible to apply for a Community Impact Initiative. If your program offers a corporate residency or graduate co-op, you're eligible if you are not already participating in one of those opportunities. International students may participate, without needing CPT authorization.

How to apply for a Community Impact Initiative

Space is limited in the Community Impact Initiatives, so be sure to update your resumé and profile in the Global Talent System and review available opportunities with our partner organizations as soon as they are posted. You may participate in only one community impact initiative, but you may apply for up to three to maximize your chances of securing a spot. You'll be invited to interview if your chosen nonprofit thinks you're a good match. 

MEET OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT INITIATIVE EMPLOYERS

Developing marketing strategies to help servicemembers

“A position at Candorful is a great learning opportunity and a chance to build experience valued by potential employers. You'll solve complex problems as you contribute to a mission-driven organization.”
Pat Hubbell, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Candorful

Finance professional uses analytics to support inner-city literacy

“I'm collaborating with universities and cultural clubs in New York to recruit volunteers who better reflect the diversity of Behind the Book's students. This initiative aims to strengthen connections and enhance the impact of the organization's programs.”
Fidan Afandiyeva, MSQF'24

FAQ'S

You may apply to join a Community Impact Initiative after you've completed a fall and spring semester in your graduate program. You'll work up to nine hours per week over the summer, typically June through August. 

No. You may participate in only one project, but you may apply for up to three projects to maximize your chances of earning a spot. 

After the Graduate Career Center ensures you're academically eligible to participate, your application will be screened by the mission-driven organization. You may be asked to interview with the organization if you're selected as a good match. The sponsoring organization makes the final selection of applicants.  

No. This is a volunteer opportunity to put your business learnings into action through service that supports Northeastern's partnerships with schools, neighborhood and international agencies, health clinics, nonprofit organizations, and more. 

While there isn't a formal evaluation process, you'll receive valuable feedback on your work throughout the program from nonprofit leadership and your career advisor.

Yes! Community impact initiative projects administered by the Graduate Career Center do not require Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.

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