Design and Video Production Internship

Opportunity International provides microfinance loans, savings, insurance and training to over five million people working their way out of poverty in the developing world. OI Interns have an opportunity to contribute to and gain valuable hands-on experience in the marketing department of a dynamic and rapidly expanding international development organization. Summer Internships require a minimum of 300 hours over twelve weeks and Fall/Spring Semesters require 16 hours per week. All internships are unpaid. Positions are highly competitive and space is limited.

Opportunity Mission and Background

The mission of Opportunity International is to empower people to work their way out of chronic poverty— transforming their lives, their children's futures, and their communities.

Opportunity International was founded in 1971 by a small group of American business leaders who sought a solution to poverty that tapped into the spirit of enterprise and created dignity without dependency. Through small loans and business training, one person after another could begin to reverse the downward spiral of poverty and become providers for their families and leaders in their communities.

Opportunity has established itself as a global leader in building microfinance institutions that deliver a full range of financial services for those in need – from microloans and insurance to savings and debit accounts. Opportunity microfinance banks offer the professionalism and security of a commercial bank, but keep their focus on serving entrepreneurs living in poverty with customized products and services and superior customer care.

Opportunity now serves over 1,000,000 clients annually and hopes to continue its growth to be able to impact the lives of even more people around the world.

Primary Internship Objective:

Interns will support the Marketing department in the areas of graphic design, video compilation, organization, and production, and web management in order to help Opportunity International further its mission to provide microfinance services to those living in poverty and empower communities in developing countries.

Internship Summary

Tasks and activities focus on marketing initiatives. You will assist the marketing staff on projects which help communicate our message, expand our reach, and ultimately drive fundraising in order to provide microfinance services to those living in poverty.

Key tasks include: auditing existing videos, tagging videos in a library, creating a system of organization, producing/editing new videos, social networking, print/online communication, and website management.

Learning Objectives:

Gain a thorough understanding of the non-profit business-oriented solution to poverty known as microfinance.

Apply design concepts learned in the classroom in a real business environment.

Examine how social networking & social media initiatives drive online awareness & donations.

Understanding of how graphic design influences and affects web 2.0 marketing and online giving patterns.

Sample Projects:

Create marketing materials to support both online and print initiatives

Assist in production of print and online publications

Support the management of various websites

Research and development of internal documents

Qualifications:

A strong desire to pursue a career in microfinance/international development

Outstanding academic accomplishments

Excellent communication; motivated self-starting; and the ability to analyze and synthesize information.

A major in Design, film, marketing/advertising or other related field

Skills in graphic design or web publishing software are preferred but not required

Able to navigate and utilze the Adobe Creative Suite

High competency with Final Cut Pro and other video specific software

Excellent written communication skills
Commitment to Opportunity International's mission and values