Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Clare Gillmore. I manage Boston University’s LA Internship Program (part of Study Abroad), based in Miracle Mile. We place over 300 students a year at internships in entertainment, ad/PR, tech, new media, sports, and non-profit organizations. The enthusiasm and drive of recent grads is infectious and I love helping students cushion their transition into the real world. Check us out on Facebook (facebook.com/buinla), on Twitter (@BUinLA) or at www.bu.edu/abroad/programs/los-angeles-internship-program.
How do you bring ideas to life?
BULA students are encouraged to hoover as much advice as possible from their evening classes and visiting speakers. Events like those hosted by IdeaMensch are gold mines for connecting with very capable people eager to collaborate. And follow-up is key to making any interaction fruitful.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
It’s impossible to finish [amazon_link id=”0307387097″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Half the Sky [/amazon_link]and not view the world differently. Few books stir us toward action AND offer a road map to get involved at whatever your comfort level. “Half the Sky” is a celebration of cultures amongst globalization, a critique on which of our efforts have caused positive change, and a hard look at how our daily choices affect the quality of life for others.
What is one piece of advice that you’d like to give?
“Some days you’re a bug, some days you’re a windshield.” Live in the present, but reinvigorate in tomorrow’s potential.
What is one idea that you’re going to bring to life in 2012?
I’d like to broaden our mentor/mentee opportunities, recognizing that regardless of what stage you’re at in your career or however many times you’ve changed jobs, you are a massive resource of experience and perspective.
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.