Adam Rein

Nationality: American / Global Village

Education: Yale University, BA; MIT Sloan / Harvard Kennedy School MBA/MPA ‘10

Why an internship? I had worked for a management consulting firm, an embassy, an international nonprofit. I was looking for a dynamic environment where I could make an impact immediately during one short summer — a young organization where major strategic decisions were still being made each week. I also was looking forward to working directly with the founders — not as part of a pre-canned internship program.

Why Volans? I was looking to work with an energetic team that were comfortable blending between the private and social sectors — where humor and hard work went hand in hand. Volans was original and ambitious, seeking to push the envelope on how major corporations and social entrepreneurs could work collaboratively.

What did you did you do, where did you do it - and what did you learn? I shaped the new Volans Connects offering by meeting with 35 U.S. social entrepreneurs to introduce them to the Volans Vision. This collaborative process helped us form a unique offering that the social sector really needs, while getting the word out about Volans to leading market-based members of the Ashoka, Echoing Green, and Skoll networks. It was exciting to put together a “Catalog on Social Innovations” demonstrating the numerous ways in which innovate nonprofits are partnering with the private sector beyond philanthropic giving. Meeting with social entrepreneurs is a great experience: they are very smart and passionate,and willing to work cooperatively with other organizations in the social sector–quite a change from the “what can you do for me” attitude of the corporate sector. My whole summer experience solidified my own interest in generating new market-based solutions to major social problems.

Advice to others considering an internship? If you want structure and certainty, Volans may not be the place for you. John, Pamela and Kevin have high expectations — but want you to think quick on your feet.

Contact details: arein [at] mit.edu