Internships: Life and career lessons
Preparing for life is generally a difficult rite of passage. Preparing for the life we really want is even trickier. A recent Gallup Poll survey reports that less than half of us are really happy doing what we do. Other studies reveal that job happiness is linked to happy living.
Teddy Kram replaces an expansion tank at Waterside Market as part of his responsibilities as an intern with Ken's Plumbing. Photo by Susan Safford
Interning has proven to be a valuable tool for Island young people sorting through the bewildering array of career choices. Nearly 20 percent of Martha's Vineyard Regional High School's 800 students participate in MVRHS' 30-year-old internship program.
Many of the participating upperclassmen say the practical experiences helped them discover their passions, and that they found their career path as a result of interning with Island companies and organizations. Some students have turned their internships into regular jobs.
High school student Emily Alosso of Oak Bluffs, who will be attending Westfield State College, works with five- and six-year-olds at the Oak Bluffs School. With her interest in child development and psychology, she is intrigued by how children learn. "They learn differently than we do. They see things we just pass by," she said. "The progress they make is amazing. For example, we do journaling, and what were chicken scratches in February are now readable full pages." Ms. Alosso said she learned that she can make a difference in their lives, "...give them choices and options and help them interpret when they are overwhelmed."
Sherri Church, career and work-study coordinator, explains, "Our program helps keep kids in school and involved. Most of these kids come to us with a plan. They've already contacted a potential employer," she said, noting MVRHS' dropout rate is less than one percent.
The internship program is serious business. Students, their parents, and employers sign a contract of rights and responsibilities. Students must perform on the job and they must complete a project detailing their work experience every year. Working with Jeff Rothwell, career and technical education director at the high school, Ms. Church says one real world goal is to provide students with a certificate of employability from the state Workforce Investment Board.
High school junior Ryan Welty, a Vineyard Haven resident, has been interning at the Net Result for several years. He's done the grunt work, including filleting fish, but he's also learned to prepare food and to cook. Working at the Vineyard Haven fish market, Mr. Welty learned that he loves to cook. "I want to go to Johnson & Wales," he said. "I know now what it's like to work fulltime, how to interact with customers. I'm more comfortable with people."
Senior Sophie Lew of Oak Bluffs, who is considering a career in special needs education or medicine, worked as a counselor at Camp Jabberwocky in Vineyard Haven as a youngster, and at Martha's Vineyard Hospital. Ms. Lew, who has learned American Sign Language, is an intern at Project Headway at the West Tisbury School. "I've learned that people with differences are just people," she said. "It's frustrating sometimes to see how people interact with them. I've definitely learned patience working with little kids."
Mariah Bendavid grooms Caledonia at Red Pony Farm, where she interns and rides. Photos by Susan Safford
The theme of self-discovery and empowerment runs through the student's comments, regardless of their various undertakings.
Hayley Plante, who lives in West Tisbury, has worked at Brickman's clothing store in Vineyard Haven for four years. The high school junior said her work has given her more confidence and the ability to interact with people. "I was very shy but now I ask people if they want help. I'm willing to take the initiative now, to make up my own tasks," she said. "I like inventorying, making price changes, and inventory management tasks."
Katharine Clarke of Edgartown, an MVRHS student who works with kindergartners at the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School, also gained confidence from her experience. "I didn't know I could be a teacher. I didn't realize the impact I could have on other people's lives," she said. "It has helped me progress as a student." Ms. Clarke plans to pursue a career in elementary education at Endicott College in the fall.
Oak Bluffs resident Mariah Bendavid, 17, who teaches beginning riding at Red Pony Farm in West Tisbury, has learned the value of responsibility and rules. After three years of working at Red Pony, she will work as a barn manager this summer while seeking a state riding instruction license, and deciding whether to pursue a degree in equestrian arts or to enter right into the equestrian job market.
The practical benefits are easily observable. As a result of working at Ken's Plumbing in West Tisbury (a family business), for the past four years, high school junior Teddy Kram of West Tisbury can walk into a house under construction and know its plumbing requirements. "I couldn't do it on my own but I know what needs to be done," he said.
The students referenced the importance of the role modeling they observe in their workplace. Senior Kaitlin Kram's experience at the Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven has been an eye-opener. "I'm seeing what it's like to run a business and to start a business at the same time - the dedication it requires." (Susan and Steven Bowen, Waterside's proprietors, opened the Blue Canoe restaurant on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven.) Ms. Kram will attend Cape Cod Community College for two years, then transfer to Johnson & Wales or another New England culinary school.
As an intern at the Net Result, Ryan Welty discovered a passion for
cooking.
Everyone agrees it is fortunate to have the opportunity to be mentored, to learn and apply skills, and to experience adult responsibilities and purpose.
Jack Shea is a regular contributor to The Times.
