Internships can be an interesting, challenging, and very rewarding way to learn about a particular business or industry. Consider it a bit of a "test drive" of a career or company. By spending time in an office, you'll see first-hand how business works. And you'll learn from professionals who have the experience you're looking to gain.



Internships are not just for college students. Many high school students today are also gaining relevant work experience as well as enhancing their resumes by doing internships. They can provide useful information on careers early on that could influence students when selecting a college and/or college major when the time comes. Internships can also help in the admissions process as colleges compare applicants to be admitted each year.

Chelsea High School has been offering the Money and Banking internship for about three years now, and it has proven to be a worthwhile experience. People earn this internship when entering the Money and Banking class. They get the experience of working at the Devil's store every "F" day lunch. A more select group of students from the class get to work for the Metropolitan Credit Union. There is a branch located in the school, and one on Revere Beach Parkway in Chelsea.

Ms. Paula Zandbergs teaches Money and Banking and manages the Devil's store. She has been leading the class for the three years that the internships have been available, and she believes they are a great experience. "Students get the chance to see how it is to sell things," she said "and how to handle money and so-forth, which today are useful skills."

When asked how she thinks the collaboration between Chelsea High School and Metro has gone, and how they run their part of the internship, Ms. Zandbergs said, "They are very professional the way they run things over there. They keep the students on their toes at all times. And it seems like the students are always learning something new.”

Lisa Rodriguez, a student in Money and Banking, sat down with me and spoke about the experience of the internship. "It's a good experience for me," she said, "I'm hoping to major in business and hopefully be a banker one day, so having this experience is a big opportunity for me."

When asked how she thinks Ms. Zandbergs runs the class, she said, "Ms. Zandbergs makes the class fun, and while we do the internship she is always making sure we are doing the right thing. I like her a lot and she does a good job."

Internships are becoming more essential in high school. They give students the experience they need to become comfortable with a job or career field. They end up benefiting both parties – the business and the student. So, Chelsea High School is thinking ahead in those regards.

Ms. Zandbergs believes this begins to put us in competition with other high schools. "Other high schools have internships to offer their students,” she said, “and we are finally starting to catch up and give our students the experience they need for real life.”