When he commenced his journey at Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School student Joel Shin never envisioned he would engage in nonprofit endeavors. His primary ambition was securing a role that would support his family — an aspiration he thought was equivalent to seeking employment in the corporate realm.
However, his outlook has shifted. Shin interned during the summer with the Aspirations Network, a nonprofit that empowers young individuals through research and educational initiatives. This position enables him to merge his business skills with his enthusiasm for film to positively impact the St. Louis community.
“I’ve gained more than just new competencies; the internship has instilled in me dedication, resilience, and perseverance,” Shin remarked. “It has also fostered my confidence because I’ve had to put myself out there and cultivate significant connections.”
Shin’s internship is supported by the Skandalaris Internship Program (SkIP), a 10-week cohort experience that connects WashU students with local startups and nonprofits. SkIP provides interns a $6,000 stipend while integrating them into the St. Louis ecosystem and enhancing their entrepreneurial capabilities.
During his time with the Aspirations Network, Shin has participated in numerous projects. One included filming a mini-documentary with the youth advisory board organized by Missouri State Sen. Brian Williams to amplify the voices of young individuals in his Senate district.
“Joel’s videography has truly facilitated our innovation. He’s incredibly focused and diligent,” stated Colby Chance Crowder, founder and executive director of the Aspirations Network and a WashU Brown School alumnus. “A significant aspect of nonprofit work is storytelling, and with Joel, we can personify the impact of our efforts.”
Working alongside Crowder has been a gratifying and transformative journey, Shin noted.
“He’s granted me a great deal of creative freedom. He has encouraged me to edit videos in the manner I deem best,” Shin added. “At the Aspirations Network, I’ve been afforded the time to refine my craft.”
In addition to conducting interviews with participants on the youth board, Shin and Crowder have interviewed Sarah Buchanan, AB ’23, MSW ’24, the founder and executive director of Libraries for Liberation. This organization builds libraries in juvenile detention facilities and adult prisons, striving to guarantee equitable access to literary education for incarcerated individuals.
Collaborating with the Aspirations Network has profoundly influenced Shin, motivating him to steer his career towards a path that can create a lasting difference.
“Initially, I believed, ‘I want these top corporate jobs, and later in life, I will contribute positively to the world,’” Shin reflected. “Witnessing the effect of the nonprofits I’ve been involved with has led me to realize that I can still provide for my family while holding a position that aids others.”
Career Catalysts is a series spotlighting WashU interns, authored by WashU interns. WashU funds compensated internships throughout the St. Louis area, equipping students with invaluable career skills while assisting local startups, small enterprises, and nonprofits in fulfilling their missions.
Cole Bernstein is a multimedia intern in University Marketing & Communications at WashU. This summer, he created a “Field Notes” video about CET Film Production at FAMU, an international program in Prague. Bernstein, who is majoring in film studies in Arts & Sciences, wrote and served as the assistant director for the film “A Bird in the Field,” which debuted at the prestigious St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase.
Seraphina Corbo is a news intern in University Marketing & Communications. This summer, she has produced announcements regarding the WashU Board of Trustees and remarkable accomplishments within the WashU community, as well as profiled faculty, students, and alumni. She is pursuing a degree in English literature in Arts & Sciences and will work as a writing intern with the Gephardt Institute during the 2025-26 academic year.
Zach Trabitz is a news intern in University Marketing & Communications. This summer, he has reported on the LIGHT public health summer camp; surveyed WashU students and faculty about their favorite art spots; interviewed researchers about the threats posed by ticks and mosquitoes; and profiled WashU faculty and students. He is majoring in art history in Arts & Sciences and serves as an editor at Student Life newspaper.
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