This week has been all about me owning more projects. Last week I mentioned that I had learned about Google Ad Grants. I had hoped that sometime later this summer I would be able to try my hand at them. Well, as it turns out, later is now. This week I set out to learn more about the software and what it takes to run a campaign. I found myself on Google’s Applied Digital Skills site, going through their lessons about Google Ad Grants. I learned how to create a platform to utilize Google Ad Grants, plan a marketing campaign with specific and strategic goals, design the campaign based on those goals, implement the campaign, and then utilize Google Analytics to track the campaign’s progress. After I went through all this content, to my surprise, I’d earned a certificate. The next time I met with my supervisor I told her, and we agreed that I’m now ready and able to implement a Google Ad Grant campaign for Jewish Family Services. I’m very excited – I am always interested in learning new skills, especially ones that will help me at work and develop as a professional.

I also got to assist more with the Business Services Membership Program. This is a program run by JFS that offers companies in the Columbus area services to attract and retain employees. The program had gone through a hiatus, but now JFS is getting it off the ground again. Originally, my role was just to help chart main touch points businesses should go through after purchasing a service package. However, I met with the Business Services Coordinator and she let me know that she was trying to get some marketing materials together. I let her know that was something I’d be happy to work on and she gratefully passed along the tasks to me. I finished everything she needed this week and have received glowing feedback so far.

This week, I’ve also been working on putting myself out there. Networking is a large part of breaking into a career, and it is a goal of mine to improve at it. I’ve now had coffee with two people at JFS with two more scheduled for the next two weeks. Everyone has been very kind and happy to share their stories with me. I’m interested in learning about people’s journeys to the nonprofit sector and any insights they can share with me.

The rest of the week has been me working on my project. I’ve completed my marketing plan and am in the polishing stage now. The second part of my project, the engagement plan for various stakeholders, is coming along. I got to meet with the Business Services Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinators, and next week I’m meeting with the Program Directors. After talking with them, I’ll be able to put the final touches on the engagement plans.