Meet Your Goals & Better Our World

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Mosher Berry, Founder of Visions Internships, located in Marlborough, MA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Visions Internships helps purpose-driven young people in their twenties get the real-world experience, skills, and support to succeed. We partner with social impact organizations that need project support but lack time to find, train, and manage interns. We have revolutionized the internship space by removing the common barriers associated with both doing and managing internships and ensuring the experience is mutually fulfilling and productive. Apart from our signature 12-week program, VIP (Visions Internships Program), that runs 3 times per year, we also provide access to talent, resources, training, and consulting.

Tell us about yourself

Since I witnessed the Exxon Valdez spill at 10 years old and endured deep personal injustice at the age of 15, I have been called to engage in social impact work—to leave this world a little brighter than I found it. I didn't realize until I was in my mid-30s that I could Do Well for myself & Do Good in the world. I thought I had to choose one or the other. When I was teaching college years later, I realized many of my students felt the same way. After 5 years of teaching college and seeing an unacceptable number of students at a loss as to how to gain meaningful real-world experience, I quit my two jobs to finally develop a new approach to internships. I went with my gut– knowing young people don't just need a connection; they need the skills and especially the support to succeed. Likewise, organizations don't just need warm bodies; they need to get things done with minimal stress on their staff.

When I saw a 2019 study reporting on the "Purpose Gap" (80% of today's U.S. college graduates are seeking purposeful work, and well under 50% achieve this goal), I knew it was the right moment to make a bold move. Ah Ha! Visions Internships would contract exclusively with social impact organizations that young people would feel naturally compelled to serve while developing their professional skills. When I reflect now, it appears I created the program I didn't know I needed when I was in my 20s. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my almost 6-year-old daughter, AKA the Chief Motivational Officer of Visions Internships, who is certainly my biggest personal inspiration.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is not only still being in business but GROWING, despite immense personal struggles since I launched. Not only was I building a business from scratch during the pandemic, but I was also navigating an excruciating divorce and raising a 2-year-old myself. I sold my wedding rings and dining room set and ultimately chose my business over our home. Looking back, I am moved by my strength and am confident I can get through just about anything.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I would say the hardest thing for me has been inducing (and maintaining) a high level of structure-- the kind of structure that is the right mix of strategic and tactical efforts that will result in sustainable, long-term growth that will enable me to grow, hire, and scale the way I envision. I have found that involving myself in entrepreneurial communities has helped me feel more focused and supported and less overwhelmed and isolated.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Discover and pursue your "Ikigai."
Plan your work and work your plan... AND! Plan less and adapt more.
Build a great team around your vision, communicate frequently, and let them fly!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://visionsinternships.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visionsinternships
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visions_internships/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymosherberry/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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