Learning inside and outside the classroom make strong graduates

Rumbi Sithole’s six internships provided real-world experience and discovery about the type of organization that fits her best.

Rumbidzai (Rumbi) Sithole, a senior at the College of St. Scholastica, exemplifies the notion that learning in college occurs both inside and outside the classroom. As an international student from Zimbabwe, Sithole made a strong first impression on campus. She quickly connected with resources to help in her pursuit of becoming a champion for human rights. Beneath her gentle approach and soft spoken manner, it was obvious that she had a strong determination and drive.

Sithole self-designed a major in International Policy and Management and added a women’s studies minor to her program. In addition to excelling in her academic course work, she completed six internships during her four years in college. These included two internships with the Clinton Foundation (Pediatric HIV Initiative and in the Philanthropy Department), and internships with the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Cirrus Design, the Center for Housing Rights and Convictions and Africa Action.

Sithole states that these internship experiences changed her outlook on life. “When you think of issues in the classroom, you see them through one lens. When you have the opportunity to work outside the classroom you face everyday realities. You are more able to make well-balanced decisions and you realize things are not always as black and white as they can appear in the classroom environment.” Sithole has not only learned about her interests and skills but also what type of organizations match her values, passions and goals.

Sithole left her mark at the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce where she completed one of her internships. “She has done an immense amount of work with little direction or monitoring,” said Breanne DeFoe, director of Fuse Duluth at the Chamber. “Rumbi knows what it takes to get a job done. Her work ethic shows great motivation and tenacity while her demeanor day to day is quiet and humble.”

In analyzing her choice to attend a Minnesota private college, Sithole liked the size, the opportunity to get to know faculty and staff and the individual attention. “St. Scholastica felt like a family more than a school,” she said. Sithole has accepted a position as an associate consultant with Dalberg Global Development Advisors in Johannesburg, South Africa.