AmeriCorps Featured Member - Brian

Brian Exner is a member of MACOG’s first AmeriCorps cohort serving with MACOG at enFocus. Brian is focusing on providing capacity to the UpskillSB program which provides residents of South Bend with certifications to improve their career potential. On a day-to-day basis, Brian assists the team with tasks such as research on new certificate opportunities, enrolling participants in courses, encouraging participants as they progress through their course, coordinating supporting events and other tasks needed to ensure the program runs smoothly and provides a great benefit to all involved. Brian is also connecting participants to the new Climate Action track, which includes solar and green building certifications such as solar installation, LEED, Green Realtors, Energy Auditing, and efficient HVAC.

How did you find out about AmeriCorps and what led you to this role?

One of my friends completed a year of service and shared how it positively impacted his career journey. I was also referred by the program director of enFocus to AmeriCorps as a great opportunity. I know that this will greatly benefit not only my own career, but also this community and the future members who come to serve.

Why did you select enFocus as your AmeriCorps service site?

enFocus has made a great impact on our community and I wanted to become more familiar with how they operated. They operate in both high-level problem solving as well as getting hands-on experience through implementing the programs they advocate for.

How has service in the AmeriCorps program at MACOG and living in our region impacted your career aspirations?

Given that I am serving where I have lived for many years, it helps me realize both the great opportunities there are to improve the community as well as the fact that there are many ways to find a fulfilling career. If I could find a way to turn this kind of project-based service into a full-time career, I would!

What continues to inspire you to serve in this role?

Knowing that the service I am doing is going to improve someone else’s career potential makes me proud. I get to stand beside the people that are affected by this and learn from their experiences as well.

What’s next after your AmeriCorps service is completed?

I will be starting a full-time Innovation Fellowship with enFocus that will introduce me to challenges that other organizations face. Then, I will be tasked with discovering a solution and working with several parties to implement it.

“It is exciting to be part of a program that connects people with programs that highlight their skills. Sometimes, people may not have realized they could use their skills in such a way that they could be making more money”

If you are interested in serving with AmeriCorps check out the Position Descriptions available and fill out the Interest Form!