Academy’s Internship Program boasts opportunity for Upper School students. NASA/JPL-Cal Tech
Academy’s Internship Program has a new face.
Kay Mason’s transition to New Orleans left a vacancy in the Department of Internships, and as of this year, the office, tucked in the library’s northwest corner, is now home to Jennifer Conti.
The switch for Conti has come easily thus far and at no surprise. Prior to this position, she worked as Director of Alumni Relations at the school for seven years, and before that, she had experience in student relations at both Ohio Dominican University and Washington University in St. Louis. In a recent interview with Conti, she stated that this new position blends aspects of both of her previous jobs, for she is now utilizing alumni relations to provide a springboard into future openings for Academy students.
The position’s responsibilities are just as they appear. Conti is currently working on an upcoming program that formalizes the internship process, a hefty task that helps create an abundance of opportunities for high school students. The new director spent this past summer conferencing with other schools that share this program and additionally seeking out masses of companies and nonprofits to develop interest.
This process is still in the works, however, since the companies and nonprofits will be finalized by February. The application process will occur between March and May. Because of the commotion of the school year, the program will occur during the summer, when students will be best able to embrace these opportunities.
The specific logistics include a mandatory internship workshop on February 28, an application submission opening on March 3 with the close on March 29, the applications being forwarded to organizations between April 1-5, and lastly, a notification of the hiring decision to Jennifer Conti on May 3.
This internship system is just one part of what the department is to offer. Another major sector includes “Summer Enrichment Programs,” a label that Academy created to describe various summertime courses and programs at a local, domestic or international level. This is not limited to college programs, for these opportunities are nearly limitless. With twenty different areas of study, the program encompasses everything from an Architecture Discovery Program at Washington St. Louis to a U.S. Brig Niagra Sailing Program.
Pursuing this type of work during the academic year is certainly challenging given the time constraints; nonetheless, there are a few opportunities that are currently available to upper school students. Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides a special opportunity for students age 14 and older to shadow professionals, and Nellie’s Champions 4 Kids offers served-based opportunities. Additionally, the YWCA hosts a Bright Futures Leadership Program for junior girls that takes place from January to July on ten scattered Saturdays, with the attendees participating in workshops.
Academy’s internship program is more than just another privilege of belonging to such a prestigious school. This is a gateway into the realm of future opportunity and real-world experience.
Conti looks forward to using connections in the Central Ohio and the Academy community as well as being immersed in the Academy Upper School life.
Her natural passion for her work will make her a surefire success.
If interested in any of these programs or opportunities, feel free to visit www.columbusacademy.org/
