For the past five months, I have been lucky enough to represent the Tribune Company as a loaned executive with United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. The experience of being an LE is, as all things, what you make it to be, but I like to think that I have been surrounded with the best group of loaned executives yet. We have been like a family since our first week of training and accomplished quite a bit during our time at United Way.

The responsibilities of the loaned executive position include: administrative duties, assisting fundraising managers and even volunteering. Plenty of opportunity exists to go outside this job description, though. My colleagues have often gone above and beyond, such as giving those *ehem, cough* 4 a.m. speeches at the post offices. The LE’s also formed a fundraising committee—complete with an accountant. With our committee, were able to raise $2,300 to help make an impact in Chicagoland!

Personally, the LE program has really inspired me to become a more caring and focused person. It has also helped me to develop as a young professional. The unique position of being an LE has allowed me to work simultaneously in nonprofit and corporate environments. I was able to network with employees of my sponsor company, Tribune, as well as within quite a few other large organizations in Chicago. And with all the campaign events I have participated in or in some cases headed, I have also been able to dramatically improve my leadership, time management and organization abilities. Importantly, the United Way staff has also helped me use my newly acquired contacts and skills to plan the next step in my career.

It can be very easy to lose sight of the important parts of life; our friends and family, being a kind person and making a difference in our communities. It has been refreshing to work day after day with a group and program that reflect and cherish these ideas. Because of this, I will always appreciate my time as a loaned executive with United Way.