Check out what these past and present phoners thought about the program:
"I was kind of shy coming into the Big Red Phonathon the second semester
of freshman year, but then again, I was kind of shy anytime I did anything freshman year.
However, any worries I had were completely blown away by the end of my first training
session - which was also my introduction to the "superbreak". The management
team and all the other callers are more than willing to help you out or work with you on just
about anything you need, the atmosphere of the room is really laid back, and the job is actually
fun. This is no telemarketing to bother people about stuff they'll never want. This is an
opportunity to call alumni with whom you have something in common. Many are more than happy
to hear from you, to see how things at Cornell are going, and some are ready to talk your
ear off - or even point you in the right direction for a summer job.
Through the phonathon, I've had the chance to meet some really great people: both on the phones
and in the room. They've helped me come out of my shell, and remind me of all the great things
that Cornell has to offer, despite the load of homework I always have waiting for me when I get off my shift."
-- Aimee '10
"I have been with the Big Red Phonathon for a semester, and I can honestly
say that it is an all-around great job opportunity at Cornell! From calling to coaching to
becoming a Management Team member, there is so much room for growth. Everyone is excited to
be here and has a genuine interest in keeping the phones ringing.
The particulars of the job are also amazing. The work schedule is flexible, and you can
decide on the amount of time that is right for you to devote to this energetic program.
Working here also increases your knowledge about the many different aspects of Cornell.
Ultimately, it is amazing to know that what we do affects every single person in the CU
community. What we do matters, and we are on the road to impacting everyone's Cornell experience with every call we make."
-- Laura '10
"Regarding the conversations' random topics are often the things that you wind
up relating to the callers about. Last week I called a prospect who had never given. He was planning
on visiting the campus this summer, while he was traveling to Maine. I asked where in Maine he was traveling,
having spent some time in Maine myself. The prospect then mentioned that he was spending most of his month-long
vacation in one of my absolute favorite places on Earth. For the next few minutes, we talked about that area and
our experiences there. In the end, I managed to get a pledge because we both had a love for the same area."
-- Max '09
"This is going to be my 2nd year coming back to work at the CAF, and I can
honestly say that being a part of this crew has exceeded all of my
expectations from day one. At the CAF, I have the opportunity to meet,
work, and become friends with the most incredible people I've ever met at
Cornell. The team here is so friendly and pumped-up that I always leave
each shift with a glorious grin on my face.
My experience working at the CAF has only been an enriching one. I've
spoken with many interesting Cornell alumni - from Ken Dryden's NCAA
championship-winning teammates of the late 60's, to various senior Wall
Street executives, and even to an alum named "Chuck Norris" - each day at
work never gets old. Alumni often offer their own invaluable insight on
careers, classes to take, and life in general - a bunch have even offered
me internships right on the spot! Amidst all of the wonderful
opportunities available at the CAF, in the end it all boils back down to
our passion to give back to Cornell and actually make a positive impact.
Joining the CAF is one of the best decisions I've made in college and I
can say that I am truly proud to be a part of this team."
-- Cesar '09
