Entry by Pat Patterson
This summer, I had the privilege of coordinating internships for 59 high school interns through the Common Goal Internship Program, a collaborative effort between Indiana INTERNnet and the Indianapolis Chamber aimed at motivating at-risk high school students to continue their education, graduate, and pursue higher education. Yesterday, we celebrated the student’s successful completion of the program and recognized their host employers for offering the internship opportunities. (See pictures below)
2010 Common Goal Celebration Conference
A few Common Goal student interns.
- A student intern with her employer mentor.
Two student interns with their host employer after receiving their certificates of achievement.
Throughout the summer, I visited several of the students at their places of business, and at the celebration conference, a few of the students shared their experiences at the podium on stage. After learning more about the students’ experiences during their visits and the few students’ presentations, it became apparent how influential the internships have been in their lives.
During their internships, the students were able to test out their different interests as they narrowed down their potential career paths and learned new transferrable skills. For example, one of the students thought that a career in advertising would be fun, but he did not know too much about the industry. Through his internship he was exposed to all departments of the firm he worked with and was surprised to learn how many different kinds of jobs there were. After his experience, he determined that he wants to pursue a career in the creative side of an advertising firm and he is excited to go on to college to learn the skills necessary to reach his goal.
For nearly all of the students in the program, their internships this summer was their first time ever working in an office environment. Had it not been for the support of the program and the host employers, these students may not have had this opportunity. Sometimes, it is easy to take for granted the opportunities that we have – for all you interns that are finishing up this summer and all you students who will have internships in the future – I urge you to make the most out of your internships and maximize your learning experiences.
