As part of the high school curriculum, VT Junior students are required to participate in a two-week internship. The purpose of the internships is to help students develop skills in leadership as well as let them explore and experience career fields in which they have an interest or think they may want to pursue after high school. Students are responsible for researching, contacting, and securing their own internship partner. This year, 100% of our junior class secured their own internship partners. We had students at the Waxahachie Police Department, the Cedar Hill Fire Department, Mudhook Bar and Grill, SMU Law School, and more! Throughout the two weeks, the students were required to report to their partners according to their schedule as if they were employees. One of our students, Dawson Podany, was with the Cedar Hill Fire Department and was required to work several 24-hour shifts. He rode along with the firefighters and EMTs to various calls.

…this led me to think about a career field I never would have considered before. It has opened my eyes to a different goal that I can now strive toward.

Several students interned with Mr. Bryan Kaeser at Mudhook Bar and Grill. From working in the kitchen to office and order management, the interns were able to go into the nitty-gritty of the restaurant business. Mr. Kaeser even stated that if this were not a school assignment, he would have hired them on the spot!

All of our internship partners reported back saying that the VT Juniors were some of the hardest workers they have had and have enjoyed having them on their team. We look forward to partnering with these businesses again in the future and can’t wait to see how the students will use their experiences in the future.