Employer Perspective on the Internship Experience
Written by: Hannah Fischer, Student Assistant for Employer Engagement
Sarah Chedwick from Shady Side Academy recently sat down with Hannah Fischer, Student Assistant for Employer Engagement, and discussed her experiences working with interns from Chatham University. Through her close engagement with these interns, Sarah not only fosters their professional growth but also nurtures meaningful connections that extend far beyond the confines of their internship experiences.
Sarah Chedwick
How did you find out about partnering with Chatham University?
I found out about partnering with Chatham because our campus is very close to Shady Side Academy’s campus. Because the locations are so close to one another, I decided to reach out to the Career Development Office to ask about basic recruiting information. In partnering with the Office, I was “able to connect with great candidates.”
What was your relationship with your interns like?
I had a close relationship with all of the interns from Chatham University. I particularly loved watching them as they grew from quiet and shy individuals to people who knew how to take charge, manage groups, and foster good communication, with kids and families as well. I always tried to give my interns as many tools as possible during orientation and believe that the mix of the tools I give them, the hands-on experience they receive while interning, as well as the classes students are taking from Chatham all contribute to their professional growth.
What was your favorite part of working with Chatham students?
My favorite part of working with Chatham students was building a relationship with them, as a boss as well as a mentor. I see interning at Shady Side Academy as simply a stepping stone in an intern’s careers, and it is exciting for me to watch them grow. I love when I get to see my candidates get to move on and always stress to them that if they need a reference for anything, I’m here for them. Essentially, I want to watch them succeed, and I love being a part of the early stages of their career paths.
What does a typical day at your organization look like?
A typical day in the life of an intern is fun! The day usually begins at 2:30 p.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, but interns are free to pick what days they want to work, as I prioritizes flexible scheduling because of classes. Interns are always given a roster to make sure all the kids are there and then they are assigned to a station for the day. Station assignments may be different every day so interns can have experience in all areas. Some examples of stations include supervising cooking class or gym class. Every day, all interns will help with dismissal.
What do you recommend to students looking for internships?
I want to stress to students don’t be afraid to reach out and put your name out there when applying for things, and make and effort to put yourself out there. You can gain many different skills from having experience in a variety of types of internships. I also say that it is okay if you try something and realize that it is not for you, and to take those occasions as a learning experience to try things out to see what you like and what you don’t.
What advice do you have for someone who does not know what to look for in an internship/site?
One of the main pieces of advice I has to give is don’t be afraid to ask questions! I encourage students to ask questions about what a typical day will look like and about the pay rate. I also say to not be afraid to challenge the initial pay rate and learn to advocate for yourself. Lastly, make sure to do research for the interviews. Once you’re done with your interview and have the opportunity to ask questions, you should not be left with worries about a job.
What is something that you would like for people to know about your internship opportunities or organization in general?
I would like people to know that we’re a walk and a bus stop away from both [Shadyside and Eastside] campuses, and you can cut through Frick Park if you want a shortcut! We work around the class schedule, and opportunities here will extend into the future as we have had people who are interested get job positions at our organization. Overall, interning at Shady Side Academy is a great opportunity!
Can students reach out to you for more information about your opportunities and organization if they are interested?
You can absolutely reach out to me for more information at schedwick@shadysideacademy.org.