When college students return home for winter break, their time is quickly filled with visiting with friends, engaging in favorite pastimes like going to movies or just hanging out. It often seems that there is precious little time left to spend with family.
Still, it might be worth carving out a few minutes to talk with them about their plans for next summer, especially if they are interested in finding a summer internship that will give them some real work experience and leave them with a few dollars in their pockets.
If they’re looking for a meaningful work experience at a Jewish agency in Louisville, they might consider the Jewish community internship program offered by the Jewish Community of Louisville and Jewish Family and Career Services. Several different internship programs are available, and each offers a two-month internship for a Jewish student from the Louisville area who has completed at least one year of college.
According to Ellen Shapira, JFCS education and career counselor, these are paying positions that will be tailored to meet the career development needs of the selected candidates. Depending on the particular agency’s agenda, interns may work in the areas of general business, computers, marketing, public relations, computers, fund development, accounting, communication, Jewish communal service or social research. Organized activities within the Jewish community, career-directed programs, meetings with selected community leaders and social and networking opportunities are all part of the package.
Eligible candidates must be Jewish students who are permanent residents of Louisville – although they may attend college out of state. Those selected to participate will likely begin working in early June, but the schedule could be modified to accommodate a particular student’s school schedule. Selection will be based on the student’s academic background, experiences and quality of the application.
These summer internships will be invaluable in allowing students to get hands-on know-how that will be helpful to them before making career decisions. It’s a win-win program with benefits to both the Jewish community and the participants – now and in the future.
It is hardly all work and no play for the interns. They have several opportunities to socialize with other student interns from around the city and enjoy lunch with Jewish agency executives. Organizers hope this positive summer experience might prompt students to decide to come back to (or remain in) Louisville after graduation.
For further information about the program or an application, please contact Ellen Shapira at JFCS, 452-6341 ext. 225.
