Internship Opportunity

If you've been interested in development, then you know that a hot topic for the past decade has been the usage of microcredit in underserved communities. The posting below is for a well-respected non-profit that has attracted funding from companies like the Citigroup Foundation.

From Prof. Conning:

.....I'm forwarding below an invitation for interns at ACCION New York sent to me by Anne Sormani, a recent Hunter MA grad. ACCION is one of the most influential organizations in the field of microfinance worldwide. This is one of their domestic operations, focused on providing microcredit in NYC. It's obviously not much pay as an intern and a substantial commitment, might be of interest to any students with a strong dedication to social entrepreneurship, microfinance, or poverty issues. Accion also seems to promote talent quickly, so it could perhaps evolve into something else. Anne started at ACCION last year as an entry-level underwriter, and is now vice-president of lending.

ACCION New York
Lending Intern
ACCION New York (www.accionnewyork.org) is a non-profit microenterprise development organization dedicated to increasing incomes and creating jobs in low-income communities. Subsequent to 9/11, ACCION developed the American Dream Fund to assist businesses affected by the events of September 11th. Through this program, we have distributed more than $2.5 million to nearly 250 businesses, many of whom continue to struggle to return to profitable operations.
Academic background in business, financial analysis, providing sufficient skills to read income statements and understand cash flow. You are also street smart and generally savvy with matters of money. You are preferably bilingual (English/Spanish) and are comfortable using your Spanish in a business setting, and have experience communicating with Latino and immigrant populations. Excellent communication skills, allowing you to communicate with a wide variety of potential clients including those with lower levels of financial literacy. You are a persuasive person who is not afraid to “sell” (a product, an idea). You are an adaptable person with demonstrated initiative who knows how to “roll-up-your-sleeves” to get a job done. You are detail-oriented, organized, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You are familiar with Microsoft Excel. You are willing to make a 2 semester commitment.
ACCION New York seeks dedicated, hard working individuals interested in promoting microfinance. Through our lending and other services, we help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, stabilize their incomes, create additional employment and contribute to the economic revitalization of their communities. Individuals will have the unique opportunity to contribute to our mission by meeting and interviewing potential borrowers, analyzing their businesses, assessing their credit needs and ensuring quality lending.

Contact:
Alex Stein
VP, Finance & Administration
ACCION NEW YORK
115 East 23rd St., 7th Fl.
New York, NY 10010
212-387-0377 ext 314
212-387-0277 FAX
astein@accionnewyork.org

Anne has offered to be a resource for those that are interested. You can contact her at asormani@accionnewyork.org.