The career journeys of Colin Powell School graduates are as diverse and inspiring as the students themselves. For Jordan Cheung, a recent graduate who majored in Economics and Business, the path once pointed clearly toward a future in finance. But a hands-on internship experience offered through the Colin Powell School’s partnership with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) changed everything—opening the door to a meaningful career in philanthropy.
Jordan participated in a fundraising and development internship at Iona University, where he gained insight into the impact of advancement work in higher education. “That experience sparked my interest,” he recalls. “I had the opportunity to explore all aspects of an advancement team and saw the real difference connecting with donors and supporting fundraising efforts could make. It made me want to be part of that impact.”
That pivotal internship didn’t just shift Jordan’s interests—it shaped his career. He was recently hired as a Development Assistant at the AHRC Foundation, where he’ll continue building on the skills he first encountered through the CASE opportunity.
Support from the Public Service Career Hub played a key role in his journey. Jordan credits the Hub with helping him see beyond the traditional boundaries of his major. “They helped me realize how my background in finance and marketing could align with mission-driven work I hadn’t considered before,” he says.
As he steps into his new role at AHRC, Jordan is excited about what lies ahead. “I’m looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience in donor engagement, fundraising databases, and event planning,” he shares. Just as important, he’s eager to learn from colleagues who share a deep commitment to social impact: “I’m excited to work with a team that’s passionate about making a difference.”
Jordan Cheung’s story is a testament to the power of experiential learning, strategic mentorship, and open-minded exploration. It’s also a reminder of how the Colin Powell School helps students forge unexpected, purpose-filled careers rooted in both skills and values.
