Internship Program

STORY BY DYLAN COLEMAN »

After 6th hour, Senior Owen Platt is out the door, on his way to finish his day, with a new class that came to Eudora High. This new opportunity arose for seniors this year and upcoming school years. A internship program is added, under the coordination of Cathie Klein, CLP Teacher at EHS. Klein believes that the program could be a great way for students to make connections in their area of interest.

“The Internship Program is for seniors, giving them the opportunity to really understand their career field they are thinking about, or planning for.” Klein said, explaining this new possibility.

Klein, previously teacher at Seaman High School in Topeka, is comfortable with this program.

“[We] did this program when I was at Seaman High School and I had students in all types of career fields. From cosmetology, to welding, to law, to you name it. Every aspect that they could think of, we had.”

The internship students work with their mentor Tuesday through Friday. Their mentor is someone in their career field they are working in, helping them along the way.

This internship program takes the place of an elective class seniors can choose, but requires a interview process.

“There is an interview process. We need to know: Do they have good attendance? Are they in line for graduation? Are they in good standings with the school?” Klein said. “They represent themselves and the school through this program.”

But do they have a mentor for every career field a senior might want to go into?

Klein said that when you express what area you would like to go into, she will work to find a spot for you.

“Right now it’s open to anyone,” Klein said, but that is on the condition that she can find a mentor to place them with.

“Now for the Health Careers path,” Klein said, “Mrs. Pyle has a very successful program, so if it’s something she can place them in, we will go that route.”

Platt is the only student currently involved in the internship program for the first semester this year.

Platt appreciates that this internship directly ties to his future.

“The internship program has me working directly with, in my case a graphic designer, so that I can experience exactly what that career entails.”

Platt explains how the hand-on experience has helped him see what being a graphic designer is really like.

“Every day that I’ve been in the internship program has been great, I love getting to learn the different processes that will eventually become my real career.”

Klein and Platt highly recommend this program.

“Do it. I only speak from experience. I did this for 3 years at Seaman High School, and it’s just a valuable opportunity.” Klein said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity that every student should try to take advantage of.” Platt says. “It’s an extremely easy process to get in as well, all you have to do is mark or request the class and the amazing teacher Mrs. Klein will help you in anyway she can.”