Kids have headed back to school, reminiscing about summer days spent at the beach. But a group of 25 Long Beach high school students traded their bathing suits for blazers and spent their summer interning at the Port of Long Beach.
The Port interns were paired with mentors from a variety of divisions ranging from Security to Construction Management and Government Affairs to Human Resources.
The students worked up to 30 hours a week, making $10 an hour while exploring career options and shadowing their mentors for eight weeks. Their schedules were jam-packed. Each week the interns met with Port professionals to see up-close the variety of careers that the international trade industry offers.
“I was exposed to careers that I didn’t even know existed,” said Hilda Jurado from Millikan High School, who interned in the Port’s Communications Division, learning about community relations. “As a graduating senior it was important for me to see the different career paths I could take.”
While some discovered new careers, others identified their true calling.
“I’ve always had a passion for computer science. After working in the Information Management Division at the Port, I now know that this is definitely what I want to do,” said Anthony Tan, valedictorian of Wilson High School.
In addition to learning new skills, attending meetings and going on terminal tours, the students earned a National Work Readiness Credential to show their future employers that they have gained the experience needed to successfully enter the work force. Throughout the program each student also learned how to write a formal resume, interview dos and don’ts, the value of networking and social media tips to assist them with their future endeavors.
Most students don’t have the opportunity to work in an internship until they attend college but these 25 motivated students are clearly ahead of the game. Completing an internship while in high school will set them apart from their classmates and help them achieve their academic goals.
- Vivek Bhakta, Polytechnic
- Serena Carvajal, Jordan
- Nicholas Cedeno, Millikan
- Asanta Cheairs, Renaissance
- Brian Gutierrez, Jordan
- Megan Fountain, Millikan
- Naomi Galarza, Millikan
- Curtis Garret, Polytechnic
- Alexander Grimm, St. Anthony’s
- Andreas Heger, St. Anthony’s
- Sheridan Hart, Jordan
- Nathan Horn, Wilson
- Ana Jeronimo, Jordan
- Hilda Jurado, Millikan
- Aaron Justesen, California Academy of Mathematics & Science
- Priya Kumar, Polytechnic
- Mark Lasa, Millikan
- Daniel O’Keefe, Polytechnic
- Nijah Oliver, California Academy of Mathematics & Science
- Jesse Perkins, Polytechnic
- Asia Reeves, Polytechnic
- Amber Russell, Polytechnic
- Nicole Sun, Polytechnic
- Anthony Tan, Wilson
- Jesse Toledo, Jordan
The Summer High School Internship Program is available to Long Beach high school students that are sophomore, junior or senior level with good academic standing (2.5 GPA or higher).
For more information, visit our website at www.polb.com/internships.