A summer internship can be a transformative experience for a student. But before they can get a foot in the door, they need to know how to make a good first impression.

 

On Saturday, February 27, members of San Francisco’s business community interviewed hundreds of public high school students. During these mock interviews, professionals grilled students about their experience and skills and offered constructive criticism.

 

Want to help a student prepare for a summer internship interview? Learn how you can volunteer for a second round of mock interviews on March 6.

 

Curious about the experience? Below, volunteers and students share their thoughts about the event.

 

 

Suzanne Goodman, Moscone Center

If you don’t have kids, the only experience you may have with students is with young people being rowdy on MUNI. This opportunity gave me a great impression of high school students. I found them to be well-spoken and well-prepared. The afternoon went by quickly.

In the business world, we all complain that there aren’t good entry-level employees in the workforce. Coming out to help students prepare for an internship is a great way to stop talking about this issue and do something about it.

 

 

John Paul Keenan, L2Wireless

This is fun. Why wouldn’t you do it? There are great students. Plus, you get to meet some other cool professionals.

These students are doing things that blew me away. When I was in high school I think I had one fast food job on my resume. Today I met one student who’s interested in technology and getting her Cisco certification at City College. I know a buddy of mine who’s trying to do that now, and I know that is not easy to get.

 

 

Michael Theriault

Secretary Treasurer, San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council

This experience is painless. I found students to be motivated and articulate. At the end of the day you feel good that you’ve helped them.

This year the Building and Construction Trades Council is placing 40 high school interns. We’re also trying to start a new Construction Pathway at John O’Connell High School. Years ago, the school used to feed our trade. We’d like to start that relationship up again.

 

Diana Ambrocio, 11^th Grade

Dream Job: Nurse

I was so nervous today because I’ve never done an interview, but over the course of my session, I opened up and enjoyed my experience. Next time around, I’m going to use more professional language in my cover letter. My first letter was too informal in the introduction.

I’m also going to be more specific with the details on my resume. I don’t have a lot of professional experience, but I can use my extra curricular activities to demonstrate examples of taking on leadership roles and responsibility.

 

Jessical Terrell, 11^th Grade

Dream Job: Pediatrician

I got some great feedback from my interviewer. Next time I’m applying for an internship, I’m going to prepare questions for my interviewer, so I can learn more about the company I’m applying for; I’m going to use a thesaurus to vary the words I use for my cover letter and resume; and I’m walking in with a confident, positive attitude.