(Courtesy/Ms. Conti)
Sunshine, blue skies, beach waves, and popsicles: these are things that come to mind when we hear “summer break.” Despite the appeal of spending time away from school, we have all fallen victim to the summer boredom that sets in. After all, 11 weeks is a long time—a time that is perfect for exploring our interests and developing our passions. Ms. Conti, the Director of Internships and College Counseling Testing and Data, helps Upper Schoolers do just that by providing summer enrichment opportunities.
Having worked at Academy since 2011, Ms. Conti moved from the Alumni Office to her current position in 2018. Aside from collecting data for College Counseling and posting about extra-scholastic opportunities, she manages two programs: the CA Internship Program and the CA Applied Science Program (CAApS).
The internship program, open to all Upper Schoolers, partners with over 30 local organizations, allowing students to gain practical experience in the community. Ms. Conti begins coordinating internship opportunities in the fall, reaching out to Academy parents, past partnerships, and new businesses. The finalized list encompasses a variety of fields, ranging from STEM to philanthropy, with tasks including social media promotion and record-keeping.
Ms. Conti announces the positions in January, and students must attend a workshop for information about the timeline, expectations, and resources before applying. To guide us through the process, Ms. Conti prepares a comprehensive folder with everything a student could need for their first professional experience: example resumes, proper etiquette slides, interview tips, and email templates. She gives us the “do’s and dont’s”: for instance, DO set goals and have an open mind, but DON’T be rude or come unprepared.
After the initial workshop, students answer questionnaires and submit resumes for the positions of interest. Once the application deadline passes (which is February 16 this year), the employers will read the forms and offer interviews if they want to move forward. A few weeks later, Ms. Conti hosts two interview days: one is in-person, and the other over Zoom. For the face-to-face interviews, employers sit at Dining Hall tables, which students go to at their scheduled time. Like speed dating, the employers meet each applicant and select whoever best suits the position.
The last step: offer day! After all is said and done, Ms. Conti reveals the internship decisions. From here, the experience is not regulated by Academy, and students will coordinate specific details with their employers. If someone does not receive an offer, Ms. Conti opens up a second round of matching to ensure that each student leaves with an opportunity.
In my freshman year, I was a Philanthropic Marketing and Communications Intern at Godman Guild Association. I took advantage of the resources to craft my resume and used the interview tips as I talked with employers. The application process gave me exposure to job searching and practice engaging with adults, two useful skills to have. For the internship itself, I helped out the organization, a non-profit that offers programs for individuals to achieve financial and social mobility. From managing social media to writing thank you letters to donors, I worked several hours each week and learned about the non-profit sector. This was a valuable experience that I would recommend for other students to try—I still had time to enjoy my summer, but it gave me a taste of “the working world” and taught me practical knowledge.
A second notable program is CAApS, co-facilitated by Upper School Science Department Chair Dr. Lester and open to sophomores and juniors. The Ohio State University’s College of Engineering outreach program partners with high schools to place students in research labs. The labs are STEM-based, with objectives like medical testing, robot building, and environmental studying. After Ms. Conti receives a list of professors and lab descriptions, students must submit a one-page personal statement and resume for consideration. Upon acceptance and placement, CAApS expects 20-40 hours of working for 8-12 weeks, and students coordinate specific times with the professor. In the fall, CAApS participants share their research at a poster symposium during the school day.
According to Ms. Conti, the Internship program provides working experience, while CAApS is better for students interested in STEM fields. Though the experience varies depending on the business (for internships) or the lab duties (for CAApS), Ms. Conti has received positive feedback. Many students maintained connections with their employers or professors, even working over the school year or returning the following summer.
Ms. Conti says, “The purpose of these programs is for students to gain exposure. It gives them a chance to explore possible career options, expand their network, and do valuable work in the community. For some, it may even be a life-changing experience. I encourage everyone to apply!”
For more information, visit the Columbus Academy Internship Office website.
