Senior Internship Program Prepares Students for Future Careers

For high school seniors, there’s a lot to fulfill before graduation, such as taking the mandatory college entrance exams, Regents tests and a myriad of other obligations. Participating in the school’s Senior Internship Program, however, is an opportunity to shine outside of the classroom and to develop the work ethic, communication skills and teamwork that is necessary for today’s environment.

The program, which is now in its second year, started in May and will end June 12, with official presentations from each student taking place between June 13 and 15. Students enter the initiative on a staggered basis and have the choice of interning at a number of local and regional businesses. Each student also has a mentor to guide them through the process.

During a recent morning session with the program’s coordinator, Andrew Colasuonno, who also serves as a health and physical education teacher at the high school, six seniors sat around a table to discuss their recent internship experiences.

They included: Chris Gentile, who is working in the Eastchester High School Physical Education Department; Christopher Killip, who is working in the Concordia College Advancement Office; Cameron Lee, who is working at Bronxville Village Hall in the village administrator’s office; Michael McCrink, who is interning at Keith Boyer Certified Public Accounting in Tarrytown; John Satriale, who is working at Barclays Bank in Manhattan; and Luka Veselinovic, who is working at the Wartburg Senior Living facility in Mt. Vernon.

A total of 60 seniors are participating in this year’s initiative.  Each student is required to commit 25 hours per week to their internship, keep a daily journal of their experiences, complete weekly meetings with their THS faculty mentor and produce signed timesheets at the end of the program.

As an assistant trader at Barclays Bank located on Wall Street, John has had a chance to gain some truly valuable experience. In addition to becoming familiar with the traders’ portfolios, he has also had the opportunity to see how they work with clients. “This is exactly what I had expected,” he said during the half-hour gathering in Mr. Colasuonno’s classroom. “I’m learning more than I thought I would.”

For Luka, working in the marketing and development office at the Wartburg is an eye-opener into the world of senior living. He’s been using his social media skills to help promote the facility, even videotaping the 100^th birthday of a resident and posting it on Facebook to the delight of the residents and staff.  “It’s something I enjoy,” he said, “and it gives me a chance to showcase their brand.”

Chris hopes to study finance at the City of College Park in Maryland, a division of the University of Maryland system.

Ryan Rockhill’s internship experience with the Eastchester Volunteer Ambulance Corps has also been a rewarding one. Ryan intends to study mechanical engineering at SUNY Maritime but is keeping his options open in the event that he may work as a firefighter someday

Cameron’s exposure to the workings of the Village of Bronxville has also been helpful. He is currently assisting the village administrator’s office with the distribution of parking permits. Cameron will be attending SUNY Maritime this fall as an international trade transportation major.

All of the students reported positive experiences with their assignments and were happy to participate in the initiative.

 Mr. Colasuonno said the program is a valuable tool for seniors transitioning to college and beyond. “They are gaining experience and that is the key,” he said.

Some of the businesses participating in the initiative include Advanced Audiology of New York in Tuckahoe, The Classical Theatre of Harlem, Cuddy Law Firm in White Plains, the JCC Mid-Westchester in New Rochelle, White Plains Hospital, the Village of Mamaroneck Marine Education Center.