Tell us about yourself and your background.

Manasvi: I am from San Antonio, T.X., and I am an incoming senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio and am on track to graduate this December, majoring in marketing with a minor in Finance. Outside of Texas, I spent five years in Mumbai, India, from 2012 to 2017. During my time in Mumbai, I had the opportunity to volunteer for an underprivileged nonprofit school where I taught kindergarteners. That experience has been one of the best and most cherished opportunities in my life. A little something about me is that I enjoy baking, reading, and painting during my free time. I also enjoy watching all types of sports with my dad and love watching shows and movies with my family. Along with that, I love to travel, explore new cities, and be adventurous.

Tell us about your role and how your experience has been so far.

Manasvi: My internship position is in Digital Marketing, where my primary responsibilities include email marketing, website management, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and social media. I have been fortunate to gain hands-on experience with various ongoing projects and actively support the team wherever needed. My experience so far has been incredibly rewarding.

From day one, everyone at Schwab Charitable has been exceptionally welcoming and supportive, not just within the marketing team but across the entire organization. This role excites me every morning; I truly enjoy what I do and am eager to take on more projects and contribute in a meaningful way. It's a dynamic and engaging environment that continually motivates me to learn and grow.

How has your internship helped you develop your skills and knowledge?

Manasvi: As someone who has always been quiet and more on the introverted side, this internship has been instrumental in helping me come out of my shell and improve my communication skills. Through this experience, I have gained a deep understanding of donor-advised funds (DAFs), learning about aspects I previously had no knowledge of. It has been enlightening to see how our company genuinely believes in the power of giving.

In terms of marketing, I have been exposed to a variety of new tools and have developed a fresh perspective on marketing within the financial industry. This internship has not only broadened my technical skills but also enhanced my confidence and ability to collaborate effectively with others. I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided and excited about the continued growth and learning ahead.

If you had to mentor a future Schwab Charitable intern, what is one piece of advice you would want to give them? 

Manasvi: If I could mentor a future intern, I would advise them to be themselves and not hesitate to connect with other employees. Treat this internship as a nine-week interview but remember not to put too much pressure on yourself. This period is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn, grow, and assess whether the company aligns with your values and is a good fit for your future. Embrace every chance to expand your knowledge, ask questions, and actively seek out new experiences. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, as this is where the most significant personal and professional growth occurs. Remember, everyone here is supportive and willing to help you succeed, so take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.

What are your plans after this internship?

Manasvi: After this internship, I plan to go back home and enjoy the last 20 days (about three weeks) of summer before starting my final semester at UTSA. During my last semester, I will be a peer mentor for freshmen, helping them navigate their first year and answering any questions they may have. Simultaneously, I plan to search for a job that I can start after I graduate. I’m particularly interested in roles that allow me to leverage my marketing skills in meaningful ways. Further in the future, I hope to grow personally and professionally in marketing. I also plan to pursue an MBA to gain a more in-depth knowledge of my field and other business areas.

Outside of my professional life, I would love to see myself traveling and exploring more countries with my family. I believe that experiencing different cultures and environments will not only be enriching but will also provide new perspectives that can be beneficial in my professional life.