The Program

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     Boston Program Fee $2,000     New York Program Fee $2,500

We have developed a comprehensive and proven process to maximize the value of an internship:

The Initial Meeting  (October-February)

The student meets with the Director for a conversation in which the student describes academic and extra-curricular interests, or special talents. Career options are explored 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, portfolio journal assignments designed for reflection, guidance when asking for a letter of recommendation and other helpful materials relating to the workplace.

Resume and Interview Preparation

The student is coached through the process of creating a resume through drafts and revisions sent by e-mail. Before the workplace interview, the student is prepared over the phone with questions that are often asked during interviews.

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, an agreement is signed by student and mentor that establishes goals, sets the starting date and determines the mutually agreed upon schedule.

The Work Schedule  

The schedule is flexible. Most students work part-time for approximately 60 hours spread over a 4-6 week period during June, July or August. 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, e-mailing journal entries to the Internship Connection throughout the experience. The student journal are an important tool for feedback, assistance and problem solving from the Director. 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 receives a letter of recommendation from his workplace mentor. Mentors have been guided 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.