Jack Duff
Welcome To My Page!
My Scholars Practicum
What I Did
For my practicum, I took PLCY213, a course focusing on non-profit leadership in practice. I had this class with Alexander Counts, a published author and career-long nonprofit leader. He was an inspirational authentic person who taught us how to formulate a theory of change, how to improve our capacity for non-profit leadership, and what elements and conditions allow for non-profit organizations to succeed and grow. We had to write a few papers about non-profit leaders and issues in need of philanthropic help, and we are ending our semester with a group project developing our own outline for a non-profit organization.
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What I've Learned
I have learned a lot about non-profit organizations and leadership from this course. Working with Professor Counts, my class has met with a multitude of inspiring non-profit leaders who showed us that a small spark of change can build into a burning flame of progress and help. One organization was formed by a high school counselor, and now works across the DC Metro area providing college and job opportunities to high school seniors in whatever they want to pursue. Another organization leader has been able to turn their Youtube channel into an engine for promoting and building non-profits with resources and educational services. I have learned through this course that not everyone's journey is the same, but everyone can find their way to build up their community.
How Can I Use My Experience?
And What Will I Pursue?
I will absolutely be using my experience in PLCY213 in whatever career path I choose. If I work for the NFL or NBA, I can get involved with their efforts in non-profit work, and if I pursue government and policy, I will have to understand how non-profits operate in order to work with them by providing grants and helping them help our community.
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To be quite frank, I see myself as a very versatile student, professional, and person. My recent addition of the PPE major to my undergraduate pursuits will give me a lot of opportunities to try a multitude of professions, clubs, and internships. If I lean more into my business side, I hope to one day work for the NBA as a scout, general manager, or corporate marketing executive. If I lean more into the policy side, I hope to work either in advocacy and lobbying or with politicians on their campaign/office.
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How PL Has Changed Me
I believe that when I enter the market as a job applicant, I will stand out as a leader with an unique set of skills. Much of that I can credit to my time spent with Public Leadership. Working with Kelly and Professor Washburn has empowered me to be critical of myself, identifying my strengths and weaknesses and tailoring my leadership style and development towards those attributes. I believe that self awareness and learning from other exceptional leadership has made the PL experience an enriching one for me.
