Beyond the Books: Business Administration Major Addresses Community Needs With The Foster Network Internship

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 and Deaf Awareness Clubs, as well as National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). This summer, she utilized her skills off campus and interned with The Foster Network in Sioux Falls — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who care for children placed through a licensing agency.

Q: What are your career goals/aspirations?

A: My career aspirations are centered on using my skills to drive both organizational excellence and social progress. I aim to blend business strategies with social advocacy to create impactful solutions that address community needs and promote inclusivity. I hope to contribute to organizations that foster positive change and support diverse populations.

Q: Where or how did you hear about Augustana?

A: I learned about Augustana University while researching different postsecondary schools in South Dakota.

Q: What is/are the reason(s) you chose 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 discovered the program was not the best fit for me, I decided to continue my studies at Augustana because I found that the university’s robust academic programs, supportive community and personalized learning experiences perfectly aligned with my educational aspirations.

Q: What did your job duties include?

A: My main job responsibility encompassed engaging with families and community workers, ensuring effective communication and support. I had direct contact with kids coming into care and strived to make meaningful connections with them. I was oftentimes tasked with ensuring they received everything they needed to promote success both in their homes and classrooms. I also managed various front desk functions, including scheduling appointments, answering phone calls and responding to emails. Additionally, I handled administrative tasks such as processing paperwork, entering data into the database and creating inventory tracking sheets.  While these tasks were central to my role, my duties extended beyond them, reflecting a diverse range of responsibilities I undertook regularly.

Q: How did you get the internship? Did anyone help you?

A: I began my journey with The Foster Network as a volunteer, initially fulfilling learning experience hours for an introductory social work class. While I found the work rewarding, I sought to deepen my understanding and therefore arranged a meeting with the executive director. This conversation led to me becoming their summer intern, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in my professional development. Recently, I have been honored to accept new positions as the volunteer coordinator and donation team lead. I am profoundly grateful for these opportunities, which have unveiled pathways I had not previously imagined.

Q: What do you like most about your internship?

A: Throughout my internship, I have come to appreciate many aspects of the position, but the most rewarding has been the opportunity to connect with foster parents and children in our community. These interactions have offered me invaluable insights into their lives, revealing the profound impact of compassion, support and understanding. Building these relationships has not only been inspiring, but also reinforced my dedication to supporting and empowering those who navigate the complexities of the foster care system.

Q: What do you hope to learn/gain from the internship?

A: I entered this experience with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes business operations of a nonprofit organization. However, I emerged with far more than I ever anticipated. Beyond the logistical and operational insights, I discovered the deep 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 connections. It has redefined my perspective, revealing a more meaningful vision of what it truly 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 crucial to my future endeavors because it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By engaging directly with real-world situations, I can 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 dynamic work settings, ensuring that I am well-equipped to address real challenges and contribute meaningfully to my field.

Q: How important is building relationships/connections?

A: Building relationships and connections is paramount because it forms the foundation for personal and professional success. Strong relationships foster trust, collaboration and support, which are essential for achieving collective goals and navigating challenges. These connections provide access to diverse perspectives, resources and opportunities, enriching both individual growth and career advancement.

Learn about the 2,000+ jobs and internships posted annually by the Augustana University Student Success Center at Augie Opportunities.