What if a Site Director role could open the door to opportunities beyond the classroom?
For Site Directors looking to expand their skills and explore new career paths, professional development opportunities can extend far beyond the classroom. At AlphaBEST, the AB Ascend program gives employees the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in areas such as human resources, marketing, and information technology while continuing to build the leadership skills they use every day.
Ximena Maldonado, one of the first participants in an AB Ascend internship, experienced this opportunity firsthand. While working as a Site Director and pursuing her degree at the University of Texas, Ximena completed a Human Resources internship. Continue reading to learn all about Ximena’s experience.
Ximena joined AlphaBEST in 2021 as a Group Leader in Frisco, Texas, after a friend referred her to the organization. In 2023, she stepped into the role of Site Director, continuing to grow as a leader while pursuing her education.
When Ximena heard about a Human Resources internship through AB Ascend, she saw an opportunity to step outside her day-to-day responsibilities and explore another area of the organization. She decided to apply, eager to learn more and take on a new challenge.
During the internship, Ximena learned about hiring and onboarding new employees, proper document management, and employee support. She also gained firsthand insight into the work that happens behind the scenes to support AlphaBEST employees and operations.
“It gave me a completely different perspective on how an organization like AlphaBEST operates behind the scenes,” she said.
The experience also changed how Ximena approached her role as a Site Director. By seeing how different areas of the organization work together, she gained a greater appreciation for the teams and individuals supporting her and her site behind the scenes.
“It helped me see the bigger picture,” Ximena said. “I realized that every role within AlphaBEST works together toward the same goal: providing students with a safe, nurturing environment.”
AB Ascend is AlphaBEST’s education and career growth program for eligible Site Directors. The program helps Site Directors build new skills, explore career pathways, and prepare for future opportunities within AlphaBEST.
Through AB Ascend, eligible employees can access up to $5,250 per year in fully funded education benefits through Guild, including course fees and textbooks. The program offers two connected opportunities: courses and internships. Courses give employees the opportunity to pursue education and develop skills that support their personal and professional goals. Internships provide hands-on experience, allowing employees to explore different areas of AlphaBEST and apply what they learn in a real-world setting.
For Site Directors looking to continue their education, expand their skills, and explore future career opportunities within AlphaBEST, AB Ascend provides a pathway to invest in their professional development and future.
Ximena’s internship gave her the opportunity to develop skills that extend beyond Human Resources.
“The experience taught me the importance of time management, being able to dedicate time to each task, and communicating professionally with peers and mentors, including practicing proper email etiquette,” Ximena said.
These transferable skills can support professional growth in a variety of career paths. Whether Ximena continues to grow as a Site Director or explores another area of her career in the future, the experience has given her additional tools and perspectives to carry forward.
For professionals working in education and after-school programs, opportunities to develop skills outside of their everyday responsibilities can be an important part of long-term career growth.
Ximena completed her internship while continuing to work as a Site Director and pursuing her degree at the University of Texas.
“Balancing these responsibilities was a bit challenging at times,” she said. “But overall it was incredibly rewarding.”
By gaining experience in another area of the organization while continuing to lead at her site and pursue her degree, Ximena was able to continue building toward her next career step.
Ximena’s experience is one example of what professional development at AlphaBEST can look like.
Through programs like AB Ascend, AlphaBEST employees have opportunities to explore professional interests, develop new skills, and gain experience in different areas of the organization. For Site Directors interested in expanding their experience, an internship can be an opportunity to explore a new area of interest while continuing to build on the leadership skills they use every day.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore career opportunities at AlphaBEST and discover how professional development programs like AB Ascend can help you build new skills, explore different career paths, and continue growing as a leader.
Explore AlphaBEST.org/now-hiring and discover the opportunities available to you.
