High School Student Programs

Program Components Guidance relating academic interests and talents to career     possibilities Assistance with:         Creating a resume         Preparing for a workplace interview Securing and Coordinating the Internship Placement Educational materials on topics such as:        Qualities that employers seek        Understanding the concept of professionalism        How to ask for a letter of recommendation Journals designed for reflection Feedback on journal entries Letter of Recommendation Community Service Documentation

We have developed a comprehensive and proven process to maximize the value of an internship. We meet with the student one time, followed by email and phone contact. In some instances, it may be possible to arrange a phone meeting if the student cannot meet in person.

Academic Advising

Colleges look for a student who is well rounded but who also has a special academic interest or talent that they have pursued in-depth. By reviewing the student's courses and extra-curricular activities, we help them identify a "thread of interest" that can be developed further through an internship. Then we research and contact potential mentors and establish an internship that will enhance the student's learning experience and academic resume.

The Initial Meeting  (October-February)

Our role is one of advocate and advisor. The student meets with us for an informal conversation about interests, location preferences and desired work schedule. Some students know exactly what type of internship they are looking for while others do not. We enjoy helping each student identify a career area to explore. Options are discussed and the student identifies a primary and secondary career interest.

The student receives program materials that include: instructions and examples for creating a resume, tips for the workplace interview, 3 brief journal assignments designed for reflection, a document for the mentor’s letter of recommendation and other helpful materials relating to the workplace.

Finding a Placement  

The Internship Connection researches and establishes contacts with potential mentors and placement sites in a wide variety of fields, giving careful consideration to the suitability for either high school or college students.

If it is discovered in the initial meeting that a student has a unique talent or unusual career interest, a special search is conducted. In all cases, a placement is selected that best matches the individual interests of the student as well as the needs of the mentoring organization.

The Workplace Interview (March-May)

The student receives contact information concerning a potential placement site, sets up the interview and meets with the workplace mentor. Dress is business casual, but the tone of the interview is similar to a casual meeting. If satisfactory to both parties, mentor and student establish a starting date and mutually agreed upon schedule.

The Work Schedule  

The schedule is flexible based on the desires of the student’s family. Most students work part-time, usually 2-3 days per week, during a 4, 6 or 8 week period during June, July or August. For students who may have a longer commute to their internship, 2 days may be advisable. Parents tell us that they appreciate a program that leaves time for other activities, a part-time job or a family vacation.

The Internship Begins  (Summer)

The student proceeds with placement and program activities. We remain in contact with both the student and mentor throughout the process. We provide feedback on pre-designed journal questions that the student emails to us. The student journals are an important tool for assistance and problem solving from our counselors. Journal questions are designed to foster reflection and synthesis of the career experience, and serve as a handy, documented reference for college interviews and application essays.

The Mentor's Letter of Recommendation

Upon successful completion of the internship, the student may receive a letter of recommendation from his workplace mentor. We work with mentors to craft letters that focus not only on personal qualities, but also how the student's academic interests relate to their internship experiences. Students tell us that these letters have proved invaluable for both college applications and job interviews.

	Download Application for High School Students
	Questions call Dr. Carole Jabbawy 617-796-9283 or use Contact Form