Employed part-time by the Development Office, students solicit donations for the Annual Fund.
On Sunday and Tuesday evenings during the school year, the Alumni Relations Office in Brownell comes to life. Around a dozen student callers, tasked with asking alumni for donations to the Annual Fund, connect with former Choate students and cheerfully ask, “Would you like to consider making a donation to the Annual Fund?”
These students are not volunteers. They are employees of the Call Center, Choate’s most comprehensive work-study opportunity. For up to six hours a week, these students call their way through a list of alumni and have the opportunity to bond, reminisce, and make connections with older Wild Boars. Indeed, the Call Center hires students partly because of the unparalleled personal connections that they can make with alumni.
According to Mrs. Heather Cordes, Director of the Annual Fund, “We often try to pair student interests and activities with alumni who were involved in similar things while they were on campus. It’s a meaningful way for alumni to hear about Choate today and for students to learn more about the alumni community.” Ms. Priti Kapoor, Coordinator of Volunteer Programs, added, “Alumni will be resources for you when you want to find a job. Part of what we want kids to get out of this is to understand the alumni network and what you’re a part of.”
Callers also directly benefit the school. As stated by Mrs. Cordes, “Gifts to the Annual Fund enhance everything from financial aid and faculty resources to student activities, arts, and athletics.” Not only are callers earning money for themselves, they’re also earning for the school and therefore enriching the experience of themselves and their peers.
Regarding his on-campus job, caller Jon Joei ’18 said, “It’s been a really positive experience so far. The people I’m working with are fun, friendly, and focused. I enjoy making the alumni feel as if they’re still part of the community even though they’re in different places now. Also, I like cash.”
Caller Yasmin Abdella ’18 agreed with Joei. “My experience at the call center has been really good. I was really excited to start working and making some money.” She added, “At first I was really nervous to talk to people on the phone, but there’s a script. It’s kind of intimidating to ask people for money, but it’s pretty easy. Sometimes people say no, but sometimes they also say yes.”
Keeping in mind Choate’s busy schedule, Abdella advised, “I would tell people that time is not an obstacle. If you can only come once a week, it’s totally fine.”
Not only is there cash and potential friendships to be made at the Alumni Relations Office: snacks are also a staple, and prizes such as Choate sunglasses, card-holders, bumper stickers and mugs are awarded to any caller who obtains a gift for the Annual Fund.
In order to be employed by the school, students must be at least 16 years old and have a social security number. If you meet the requirements, are comfortable and personable on the phone, and are interested in money, free food, and connections, email Ms. Kapoor at pkapoor@choate.edu.
