From Classroom to Consultancy: How I DO Opens Career Doors
What happens when ambitious students are given the opportunity to work directly with organizations tackling global challenges?
For I DO student Anaïs Villamaux, it led to a consultancy internship helping NGOs navigate the complex world of fundraising and social impact.
As a student-led consultancy program, I DO Foundation empowers university students to collaborate with NGOs worldwide, combining experiential learning with meaningful impact. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and exposure to professionals, students gain more than academic knowledge; they develop the skills and networks needed to drive positive change.
How Student Consultancy Creates Career Opportunities
Anaïs, a second-year International Business Administration student at Rotterdam School of Management, joined I DO because of her passion for global challenges, sustainability, and human rights. During an I DO guest lecture on proactive fundraising, she was introduced to the Han Valk Fundraising Consultancy, an organization supporting NGOs with fundraising strategy, donor mapping, and relationship building.
That single session eventually led to a six-month internship as a Junior Consultant.
“My experience at I DO has not only contributed to my employment at HVFC but definitely enabled it to happen”,
Anaïs shared.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At I DO, students work directly with NGOs tackling issues ranging from nutrition and sustainability to education and international development.
This practical exposure helps students build skills that traditional classrooms often cannot fully provide, including:
Leadership and Communication: Through stakeholder meetings, presentations, and consulting work, students strengthen public speaking, teamwork, and leadership development.
Social Innovation and Problem Solving: Students learn to think strategically while helping NGOs address funding, operational, and sustainability challenges.
International Collaboration: Working with organizations across different countries gives students a globally minded perspective and deeper understanding of complex social issues.
For Anaïs, the experience also reinforced her long-term career ambitions in international relations and diplomacy.
Why NGO Impact Work Matters
One of the most valuable lessons students gain through I DO is understanding the realities NGOs face behind the scenes .While many nonprofit organizations focus on implementing impactful projects, securing funding and building donor relationships often remain major challenges. Organizations like Han Valk Fundraising Consultancy help bridge that gap, allowing NGOs to focus on their mission while strengthening long-term sustainability.
Advice for Future I DO Students
Anaïs encourages students to stay curious and proactive. “If a guest speaker talks about something that interests you, go talk to them. Connect on LinkedIn. Schedule a conversation. You never know where it might lead.” Her story highlights the power of collaboration, initiative, and co-creation, values central to the I DO Foundation mission.
For students looking to combine career development with meaningful impact, the I DO Project offers a platform to create genuine change!