Let’s be honest – making cold calls to ask for donations is never easy. But the plucky team of student callers at the McGill Student Phonathon is more than up to the task.
For decades, Phonathon has played a vital role in connecting students with alumni and the broader McGill community. Student callers have a unique opportunity to hear from alumni, parents and friends of the University about their connection to McGill and share updates from campus.
A crucial part of the McGill Fund program, Phonathon’s student callers raise about 20 percent of all annual fund donations, from first-time donors to those who give loyally every year. These gifts support university priorities, critical programs and projects across McGill, including student aid, cutting-edge research and McGill Libraries.
“We raise funds for various McGill initiatives. It could be the scholarships fund, student emergencies, it could be any fund under any faculty,” explains Asmita Mishra, a fourth-year student from India on the cusp of graduation, who is majoring in psychology with minors in business and economics.
Mishra is one of about 50 students hired each semester to work at the Phonathon call centre. These positions offer students meaningful work experience and help them build valuable professional skills – while gaining insight into the impact philanthropy can have.
“Students feel proud to do a job like this because they know that the work they’re doing is really affecting other students and improving their own academic experience, so it’s a really meaningful job,” says Lauren Huff, BA’23, a former student caller herself who now manages the University Advancement Phonathon program.
We recently sat down with Mishra to ask about her work at Phonathon.
How long have you worked at Phonathon?
For four years – I’ve been here since my first semester. It’s been such an incredible experience. I joined as a student caller, where I would call alumni and raise money for set funds. I got promoted to team lead to manage the other student callers. I mentor them and make sure the shift is going smoothly.
When alumni hear that you’re a current student, does that change the dynamic?
Yes. They become very friendly, empathetic, and chat with us because we like to hear about their experiences at McGill. It fosters a better relationship over the phone. I don’t think they see us as strangers; they see us as part of the community that they want to give back to.
If someone majored in psychology, it’s always amazing to talk to these grads because they were in the same shoes as me. They’ve taken the same courses. It’s nice to get their tips on my time here and I love learning what they have done in their career.
What do you find most rewarding about this job?
The most fun thing is I’ve made many friends because Phonathon hires students across McGill. It’s easy to make friends because I feel this office builds so much community among students.
Another thing that’s been super rewarding is just all of us students working together for a common cause. We're all raising money for a good cause – McGill.
What have you learned about the connection that alumni have to McGill?
Alumni deeply, deeply value their relationship with their alma mater. I’ve heard amazing stories about their time at McGill. When I call them, they’re more than happy to support the next generation of students.
What do you think is the most compelling reason for donors to support McGill?
I think it’s the fact that all of the money that McGill Student Phonathon raises goes directly to McGill funds. It is amazing that grads can support various initiatives at McGill, whether it’s a club that they were a part of during their undergrad or a faculty project that they care about.
What have you learned about the importance of philanthropy by working at the Phonathon?
Before joining Phonathon, I always thought philanthropy was something that has to be big, like you have to give a lot of money or time and energy to make a change. But as a team lead, I have seen how small individual donations amount to thousands of dollars at the end of the evening. That’s just been incredible to see. Small efforts can have such a big impact.
If you had a message for fellow students and alumni, what would it be?
Know the power of donations. Giving back can be such an important tool. Volunteer efforts matter too. I’ve talked to many alumni who say, ‘Oh, I’d love to volunteer at McGill. I come back for XYZ events’.
People always think that McGill, as a big research institution, has a lot of money, so we don’t need to raise funds. But that’s not true because we rely on donations. As a public university, they are a very important source of funding for McGill.
The Phonathon phone number is 514-396-2777. If you get a call from this number, rest assured that an earnest McGill student is on the line ready to share the latest McGill news, answer your questions, and help you make a meaningful contribution to the University.