07 Nov The Intern Project Summer 2024: Celebrating Our Students’ Journeys
By Career Pathway Connections Manager Jorge Flores
This summer, The Intern Project’s cohort of 85 students discovered career opportunities and gained experience interning in one of our 20+ partner companies.
Our program began with TIP’s Orientation Week, during which we welcomed our summer cohort of 85 students. This was the perfect opportunity for TIP Coaches and interns to meet and get acquainted. We also shared their amazing placements, at companies such as the LA Rams, The Aerospace Corporation, America on Tech, Pulse Arts, 826LA, and Hotel Bel-Air. We also welcomed TIP alumni to our orientation to share their internship experiences and advice with this summer’s cohort. We also had guest speakers from the Young Professionals Council to answer questions about their careers, experiences, and advice.
Throughout the summer, our students not only became interns at their respective companies and organizations but also embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth. In addition to their day-to-day tasks, they participated in our very first implementation of the LAUSD Internship Ready Certificate and Work Readiness Badge, a series of artifacts designed to prepare them for their future careers.
By the end of the summer, the entire cohort of 85 interns had completed all artifacts, and 40 obtained the LAPF Credly Badge. Each intern created a high-quality resume and cover letter, defined their support network, practiced completing job applications and mock interviews, and gained financial education.
For Anthony, one of our TIP summer interns, the Work Readiness Badge enabled him to gain more confidence. He commented, “The mock interview gave me insight into questions that interviewers might ask, thus allowing me to think quickly about the question and my answer. I utilized my communication skills because I was in a professional setting where I had to be loud, clear, concise, and confident. Being able to experience an interview helped me get rid of my nerves because I knew that I was prepared for it.”
Our summer program was also packed with field trips, including visits to United Talent Agency, Disney Studios, and Univision. Said Anthony, “My favorite field trip was to Walt Disney Studios because I was exposed to career paths that I had never thought of. Everyone always says, ‘Follow your dreams’ but in this era, you can’t follow those dreams unless you get paid well. Being at Walt Disney Studios, I realized that I could follow my dreams, make a living, and be happy. The thing I loved the most was the career panel because I saw people who looked like me and shared my experiences, I never felt so seen before in my life. I could connect with other people who could benefit my future.”
As the summer drew to a close, we hosted virtual and in-person celebrations to honor our TIP summer cohort. We congratulated them on their successful completion of their internships, their acquisition of the LAUSD Work Readiness Badge, and their outstanding performance on every event they attended.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, TIP coaches, the LA Promise Fund family, and, most importantly, our students. Their enthusiasm and hard work have made this summer an unforgettable experience, and we are grateful for their contributions to the success of the TIP Summer 2024 program.
The Intern Project is excited to announce that our Spring 2025 Career Exploration Program Application is now open for High School Students in Grades 10-12th! Spring TIP Interns will receive mentorships, workshops, professional development, and enriching field trips. Application closes December 13th, 2024.
