Syracuse Sun

High school students in Syracuse had the opportunity to gain meaningful experience through a summer internship program. Syracuse University, CNY Works, and the Syracuse City School District collaborated for the fourth year to provide internships to rising seniors. The program aims to offer practical experience aligned with students' career aspirations.

Interns are selected based on their career interests and spend six weeks working across various departments on campus. This year's cohort included 25 interns placed in 20 different areas at the university.

Tristan Bey, a student at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC), interned at WAER radio, focusing on researching and writing news stories. "When somebody gets back, it’s a big deal because it leads to an interview," Bey said.

Moo Loe Htoo from Corcoran High School worked with the Higher Education Opportunity Program, providing educational support to students. ITC student Samaia Goodrich interned at the Newhouse Visitors Center, creating promotional materials and assisting with tours.

Dwight Jones from ITC was placed at the Community Folk Art Center, where he organized workspaces and assisted with events. "I like the people I work with as I’ve grown to make a relationship with coworkers and my supervisors," Jones stated.

Troy Green spent his summer at MakerSpace learning about 3D printing and design software. Cameron Stroud interned with the Radar Technology Lab in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, describing his experience as hands-on with substantial support from colleagues.

Jose Pizarro also worked within the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the Composite Materials Lab, focusing on creating composites for space applications. Tyra Wren was placed in food services, gaining insight into real-world job challenges.

Participants reflected on how their internships align with their future goals:

Bey: "Getting to work with mics, video, articles... really helps me find my way toward going to Newhouse [Newhouse School of Public Communications] for film production."

Green: "I want to be focused on being a digital designer... this is a fantastic opportunity for anybody who wants to be in designing in the future."

Stroud: "It is just another skill underneath your belt... It is giving me a better idea of the different fields there are."

Kelston Luces: "Working at the athletic communications office would boost my chances of getting into that program at Newhouse."

Jones: "The people I’ve met here not only gave me amazing opportunities for the future but also helped me mentally."

Wren: "I am thinking of being a private chef now; it does give me a lot of experience in that career path."

Interns also offered advice for future participants:

Goodrich: "Have fun, learn new things... you never know [about] new opportunities."

Bey: "Use this time wisely and do not take long lunch breaks."

Htoo: "Always keep yourself occupied and bring lunch."

Green: "Do what you like... talk to your internship professor or coordinator about what you want to do."

Stroud: "[It's] enjoyable... especially if you have other people that you know come up with you."

Wren: "[Be tough.] They will teach you and treat you as an adult as you work there."

Pizarro: "Just have fun and enjoy your program."

Luces: "[Take] whatever opportunities you get. Just say yes to everything.”

Jones: “Take every opportunity because any of them can change your life or be that opportunity you were waiting for.”

Story by Neonna Vanco, Syracuse City School District communications intern