Marcus Fong: Redefining Business

Ever since I began working with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County (CCSCC), my perception of business has changed immensely. Depending on who you ask, the word “business” often has many different meanings, though many usually think of large corporations, start-ups, and of course, profit. CCSCC, on the other hand, is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a more just and compassionate community by alleviating chronic poverty through housing assistance, senior and mental health services, and providing a source of economic stability for countless families. My business education through Santa Clara University has provided me with a strong foundation in marketing and management, but being given the opportunity to work with CCSCC has broadened my understanding of what business truly means and how I can effectively apply my knowledge to serve the community around me. Instead of visualizing a business’ success purely based on how much revenue it generates or what its stock price is, I’ve come to appreciate how the business principles I’ve learned in class can be used to drive social impact. 

As a Marketing and Communications Intern, much of what I do has to deal with spreading awareness about the services and programs that CCSCC provides to aid those who struggle with poverty. I am deeply grateful that many courses that I’ve taken at the Leavey School of Business have prepared me for my role with CCSCC, improving my adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking when it comes to interacting with the community firsthand or problem solving with fellow students and supervisors. On a more technical note, I’ve been able to apply my learnings in my marketing courses to effectively help the organization raise awareness and attract donors, as well as drastically increase impressions on social media platforms to support programs that assist vulnerable populations. 

In my time working with CCSCC, I believe that the two most important skills and strengths are time management and proactivity. Non-profit organizations often operate with limited resources and competing deadlines, requiring team members to be highly efficient and self-motivated to not only work fast but work ahead. Balancing multiple projects simultaneously, like creating promotional materials or assisting with event coordination, has reinforced my ability to prioritize my work both within the organization and as a full-time student. Additionally, non-profit work demands a very hands-on approach. Being able to take initiative and work ahead of the schedule can open up new opportunities for success and develop a more deep-rooted,  emotional connection with the community you’re helping.