My Placement at The American Ireland Fund
(July 2002-July 2003)
- a Life Changing Experience

I arrived with 3 suitcases into Logan Airport at the end of July 2002. It was the start of an exciting adventure and a new reality. It was my first time living by myself and living in another country so I was very apprehensive.

It was very overwhelming being in a city, far from the Northern Ireland countryside. Though I toured around the city for a week to familiarize myself with the new surroundings. I was very lucky to find accommodation through Shauna Summers, who was the previous University of Ulster Intern.

I started my placement in The AIF on August 5th 2002. I was welcomed by all the staff and was given a tour around the office and designated to my own desk.

My role as an Administrative Assistant was interlinked with all the departments. It encompassed different duties and responsibilities. I also worked with Nicola from The University of Limerick from August to February and Orla from February onwards. Our tasks were sometimes given to the individual or for us to work together.

For example, in the Events Department, I was responsible for mailing invitations, ranging from 50 - 3500, mailing letters to dinner committees, issuing receipts to people who attended the events, compiling guest lists for events, booking tickets to the events from our clients and dealing with queries regarding the events.

The Finance Department: I assisted Monica with grant checks. I typed them on the computer or typewriter and then they were passed along to the Grants Department to be issued to the particular charity in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

I helped Brian, the IT Coordinator on a daily basis. My computer received all the e-mails from our website, it was my responsibility to respond to each query individually and to collate a list of e-mail addresses that would be used in a future mailing.

The most challenging aspect of the placement was the mailings. It required a lot of planning and time management. We had to ensure that we had adequate materials and to meet our deadline. It was a great learning experience as I learned how to multitask by managing the mailings as well as day-to-day duties. I have learned many new skills for example, delegating, supervising, being a team member and working as a team.

The most rewarding moment for me was the Boston dinner in November 2002. We worked very hard on the dinner, and seeing it all come together on the night was spectacular. The Boston Dinner raised over $2 million and the Dinner Journal raised the most ever in the events history $300, 000.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement in The AIF. The Staff has been wonderful and their enthusiasm and dedication to the AIF is remarkable.

One of The Ireland Funds goals is to foster links with institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The opportunity to work in the United States in The American Ireland Fund is through the University of Ulster is an incredible example of their work. It has enhanced my education and provided me with knew knowledge of the nonprofit sector in America. I understand how the fund raising model is used and the opportunity to develop professional fundraising in Ireland. I am interested in learning more about non-profit management after I finish my degree. In the future I would like to get involved with the AIF or a similar organization and develop a career in nonprofit management.

Deciding to complete my placement at the AIF was one of the best decisions of my life so far. My whole outlook on life is much brighter. I have worked with people who are taking a career on working towards peace in Northern Ireland.

I have found the ability to look beyond religion, which unfortunately is a factor of our environment in Northern Ireland. I have become a more tolerant and accepting person and I wish all 20 year olds had the opportunity to experience life outside Northern Ireland.

I would like to thank the staff in the AIF for allowing me this great opportunity to work for them. I admire their efforts, enthusiasm and dedication for bringing hope and peace to Northern Ireland.

~ Terri Finnegan
(original text)