Valentina Baldini, Editor-in-Chief
Graphic by Victoria Tremblay
On Tuesday, March 24, the first Senior Internship mandatory meeting will be held, providing a run-down for everything students need to know before they begin the program in May. Now in its 15th year, the Senior Internship Program offers 12th graders real-world experience in a career path they’re interested in or a hobby they want to continue following.
The Senior Internship Program takes place over a four week period during May and June, giving students time to gain valuable experience. “Seniors can explore their potential career paths while developing essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, collaboration and time management,” Senior Internship Program Coordinator Kelly DelMazio said. “Students build professional networks, gain confidence in workplace settings and better prepare for their futures.”
Senior Internship Program Committee Member Susan Carroll created the program so seniors had something to do after they’ve finished most of their classes. “I wanted to help seniors make better use of their time after AP testing ends and their academic schedules lighten up,” she said. “The program is also an opportunity for seniors to demonstrate their mastery of the skills NCHS graduates have honed during their time here.”
Seniors from the 2025 program participate in various internships such as the dentists’, in the kitchen, in construction, in technology, and at a daycare. All photos from the SIP website.
NCHS offers hundreds of internship opportunities across a wide range of career fields, allowing for every senior to find an internship they’re interested in. “We offer internships in healthcare, business, finance, law, education, engineering, technology, media, arts, science, cooking, government, nonprofit organizations and skilled trade,” Ms. DelMazio said. “This wide variety allows students to explore both traditional and emerging career paths while finding placements that align with their interests and future goals.”
“If a senior can’t find an internship that suits his or her interest, they can create their own as long as it fits into our requirements,” Ms. Carroll said.
The senior internship process takes place over almost a full year, where students are guaranteed to be ready when the program actually begins. “ We begin in the fall when the seniors review the available internship opportunities and submit applications by ranking their preferred placements,” Ms. DelMazio said. “They then participate in an interview with members of the SIP(Senior Internship Program) Committee and are matched to an internship based on their interests and skills.”
Students also attend meetings focused on preparing for their internship. “There are two mandatory workshops focused on career development topics, such as résumé building, LinkedIn, workplace expectations, professionalism and communication,” Ms. Delmazio said. “Each student is also assigned a faculty mentor who provides guidance and conducts a site visit during the internship.”
Ms. DelMazio provided students with tips so they know what to expect going into their internship. “Seniors should research their host organization, understand its mission and practice professional communication and email etiquette. Prepare thoughtful questions, set personal goals and dress appropriately for the workplace,” she said. “Be punctual, responsible, open to feedback and maintain a positive attitude. Most importantly, students should approach their internship with curiosity and a genuine willingness to learn.”
Senior Internship host Olivia Fischetti offers many internships, including Rhone in Stamford. “We provide a variety of summer internships for high school and college students that range from administrative tasks to hands-on work with our product, wholesale and planning teams,” she said. “Interns get the chance to see how different parts of the business operate and contribute to real projects giving them a well-rounded experience.”
Ms. Fischetti has advice for the seniors going into their internships, telling them to take advantage of every opportunity to learn. “Try to gain experience that connects to your interests or future major and don’t be afraid to ask questions, curiosity goes a long way,” she said. “Most importantly, show up ready to work hard, pay attention to detail and communicate clearly.”
Ms. Fischetti also explained qualities she would like to see in her interns. “We look for seniors who are eager to learn and ready to contribute,” she said. “Strong communication skills, attention to detail and a willingness to work as part of a team really stand out. We also value authenticity and showing that you’re motivated and ready to grow.”
Michael Dinan, intern host from The NewCanaanite, also shared what he likes to see in an intern. “Being involved in the news, I like to see resourceful and outgoing nterns who work well under deadlines and know how to go above and beyond their normal ways,” he said. “I would tell students to approach their internship, like any future job, with an open mind about what you’ll be doing and what strengths you may discover.”
Overall, the internships provide seniors with positive experience. “The program is beneficial because it provides firsthand exposure to professional environments,” Ms. DelMazio said. “Seniors are given responsibilities and projects rather than simply observing. Many students can secure future opportunities through their placements and will gain clarity about their career interests, expand their professional networks and build confidence. ”
