Jaida Haynes ’25, of Philip, South Dakota, is a business administration major with minors in social work and sign language studies. On campus, Haynes is involved with the Volleyball Club and the Deaf Awareness Club, as well as the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). This summer, she took her skills off campus and interned at The Foster Network in Sioux Falls — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who foster children placed through licensing agencies.
Q: What are your career goals/aspirations?
A: My career aspirations center on using my skills to drive organizational excellence and social progress. I aim to blend business strategy with social advocacy to create impactful solutions that address community needs and promote inclusivity. I hope to contribute to organizations that drive positive change and support diverse populations.
Q: Where or how did you hear about Augustana?
A: I learned about Augustana University while researching post-secondary schools in South Dakota.
Q: What was your reason for choosing to come to Augustana?
A: My initial decision to attend Augustana University was motivated by my interest in the sign language interpreting program. Although I later realized that the program was not a good fit for me, I decided to pursue my studies at Augustana because I felt that the university’s strong academic program, supportive community, and personalized learning experience were a good fit for my educational aspirations.
Q: What are your job duties?
A: My primary job responsibilities include engaging with families and community workers, ensuring effective communication and support. I have direct contact with the children who come into the home and strive to build meaningful relationships with them. I am often tasked with ensuring they receive everything they need to thrive both at home and in the classroom. I also manage various front desk functions, including scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and responding to emails. In addition, I handle administrative tasks such as processing paperwork, entering data into databases, and creating inventory tracking sheets. While these tasks are core to my role, my duties extend beyond them, reflecting the variety of responsibilities I perform on a regular basis.
Q: How did you get the internship? Did anyone help you?
A: I began my journey with The Foster Network as a volunteer, initially filling in experiential learning hours for an introductory social work class. While I found the work fulfilling, I sought to deepen my understanding and so arranged a meeting with the executive director. This conversation led to my becoming their summer intern, which marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in my professional development. Most recently, I was honored to accept a new position as a volunteer coordinator and donation team lead. I am so grateful for this opportunity, which has opened up a path I had not previously imagined.
Q: What did you like most about your internship?
A: During my internship, I have come to appreciate many aspects of this position, but the most rewarding has been the opportunity to connect with the foster parents and children in our community. These interactions have given me invaluable insight into their lives, demonstrating the profound impact of compassion, support, and understanding. Building these relationships has not only been inspiring, but has strengthened my dedication to supporting and empowering those facing the complexities of the foster care system.
Q: What do you hope to learn/gain from this internship?
A: I went into this experience with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes business operations of a nonprofit. But I emerged with so much more than I ever anticipated. Beyond logistical and operational insights, I discovered the profound impact that dedicated individuals and strategic initiatives can have on a community. This journey has illuminated the heart of nonprofit work — its capacity to inspire change, foster resilience, and build lasting relationships. It has redefined my perspective, revealing a more meaningful vision of what it means to contribute to a cause and support a mission.
Q: Why is experiential learning so important to you in your future endeavors?
A: Experiential learning is critical to my future endeavors because it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By engaging directly in real-world situations, I am able to test and refine my skills, gain invaluable hands-on experience, and better understand the complexities of the professional environment. Ultimately, experiential learning prepares me to navigate and excel in a dynamic work environment, ensuring that I am well-equipped to face real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to my field.
Q: How important is building relationships/connections?
A: Building relationships and connections is critical because it forms the foundation for personal and professional success. Strong relationships foster trust, collaboration, and support, which are essential to achieving shared goals and overcoming challenges. These connections provide access to diverse perspectives, resources, and opportunities, which enrich individual growth and career advancement.
Learn about over 2,000 jobs and internships posted annually by Augustana University’s Student Success Center at Augie’s Chance.
