McDowell internship program students wrap up first semester

A McDowell student poses with her mentor during her internship at a local hospital.

McDowell High School’s Internship Program students are preparing to wrap up their internships for the first semester. Students have interned or job shadowed with local businesses in professions they’re interested in pursuing after graduation. This year, they have interned with local hospitals, dentist offices, law offices, vehicle repair shops, MTSD principals, manufacturing, financial advisor offices, law enforcement, nursing homes and more. For the 2024-25 school year, there will be 205 internship students shadowing in local businesses and 92 McDowell Manufacturing internship students who completed the program this year.

The internship program has steadily grown over the years as students who have completed it become advocates for the program and suggest it to their peers. The experience provides clarity for students as they prepare to decide which profession they would like to pursue after graduation. Students may take one or more quarters of the program and can change their placement to explore different fields of interest.

In addition to learning more about potential careers, these internships provide students an opportunity to learn about the skills needed in the profession and the ability to practice their “soft skills.” Soft skills are a set of personal attributes, behaviors and interpersonal skills that enable individuals to effectively interact with others, navigate social environments, and achieve success in both personal and professional settings.