Students have gained meaningful career experience through interviews, internships, and seasonal employment this semester.
On September 15th, representatives from 6 local nonprofit organizations participated in the Da Vinci Extension (DVX) Internship Interview Fair. 45 DVX students were interviewed, given feedback, ranked according to employer preferences, and selected for internships. Students experienced different interview styles and perfected their resumes. Ricardo Herrera, Da Vinci Extension 14th year student, shared that he was able to “talk to numerous of professionals and learn their stories. It was interesting to see what they did to get where they are now. It really helped me break out of my shell in interviews”. DVX students are currently interning at Mending Kids, Anza Elementary, Da Vinci Innovation Academy, Da Vinci Flex, CAUSEImpacts, Habitat for Humanity, Sisterhood of the Traveling Mats, About:Space, and Stellar Design.
In addition to college-level interns, some high school students are completing internships embedded within the school day. Ruby Hernandez and Kirstyn DeMora, 12th graders at Da Vinci Communications, are working as Marketing and Communications interns at Susan G. Komen this semester. Oluchi Oniyma, Mission Manager, shares that Ruby and Kirstyn are a dynamic addition to the Susan G. Komen team. ‘They are very creative, responsible, and generate unique ideas to fundraise and move Susan G. Komen forward. I love the fact that they are so active in school, and are getting Susan G. Komen visibility on campus through events”.
Students are also get paid experience through an excellent opportunity with Old Navy. Old Navy, who hosts work experience students, just hired 50 Da Vinci 11th and 12th graders as Seasonal Associates for the Manhattan Beach Gateway store. Byron Rodas, Store Manager, said that Old Navy Manhattan Beach now exclusively hires Da Vinci students for Old Navy’s seasonal employment positions. According to Rodas, Old Navy is consistently impressed with the caliber of Da Vinci hires - they are responsible, friendly, and reliable. Students were required to complete a resume, online application, and in-person interview. They will be working from Black Friday week through the end of December. Next time you are in Old Navy, keep an eye out for Da Vinci students!