ABERDEEN, S.D. – For an hour every morning during the third quarter, Aberdeen Central junior Emma Joachim stepped out of her role as a high school student and into her role as a middle school classroom intern.
Joachim interned for Mrs. Carolyn Geyer, seventh-grade language arts teacher at Holgate Middle School. The internship experience helped Joachim on her journey toward narrowing down her future career path.
Approximately 50-60 CHS students participate in the Aberdeen Public School District Internship Program each term, totaling about 230 internships per school year, said ATEC Academy Director Scott Pudwill.
Students like Joachim who are considering education can intern in an Aberdeen Public Schools classroom. Others can get hands-on experience at a variety of local businesses.
CHS senior Bailey Hovel is one of those students interning out in the community this spring. This quarter, Hovel has an internship at the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, and she said it’s been an invaluable experience.
“Just seeing how much that they interact with the community has been so eye-opening,” Hovel said. “It’s been really fun so far.”
Hovel said it’s very useful to have an internship experience as a high school student. For Hovel, working with the Aberdeen Chamber has made her more civic-minded.
“I’ve never really been totally a helping the community type of person, but after these past two weeks I’m way more into that now,” she said. “It’s really changed my point of view on everything, too.”
Internship Program Benefits Students
Geyer said the internship program benefits students because it provides exposure to a career area that interests them.
“I think that is so beneficial for the kids—whether it’s in here with education or out in the community doing something else—when they can actually experience it,” she said.
The internship program is open to CHS juniors and seniors, Pudwill said, and students can take up to two, one-term internships. Other local businesses and organizations where CHS students have interned include the Aberdeen Area Humane Society, Aberdeen Police Department, Agtegra, RDO Equipment, Revive Day Spa, Swanson Electric, and local dental and veterinarian clinics.
Enjoyed Working with Former Teacher
Joachim’s internship with Geyer was her first—and the experience was made even better because Geyer is her former teacher.
“I had her as a student and I just remember how much I loved her,” Joachim said. “She’s just so nice. She’s a great person to intern with.”
Geyer said it’s nice to have a former student as an intern—especially a “phenomenal young lady” such as Joachim.
“When I do have a former student with me, I think they’re familiar with how I run my classroom and how I interact with kids, the management, and even the curriculum,” Geyer said. “… I think they feel comfortable coming into my room. I hope it’s like them thinking of going back home.”
Various Internship Duties
At the Chamber of Commerce, Hovel’s duties have included assisting with preparations for the ABBY Awards, helping to reorganize at the Chamber Office, putting pamphlets together, and attending meetings with Chamber staff out in the community.
This is a second internship for Hovel, who previously interned for Finishing Touch Designs and More. Hovel will attend Alexandria Technical College this fall and plans to study interior design. She also might pursue marketing and own her own business someday.
During her Holgate internship, Joachim helped with any tasks needed, such as assisting any students who required individual help.
The internship program is helpful for trying to decide between career paths, she said. Joachim is also considering being a kindergarten teacher, teaching fifth grade, or working with animals at a vet clinic or the Humane Society.
Advice for Other Students
For other students considering an internship, Joachim’s advice is to do it.
“You get to see what you wouldn’t in a classroom,” she said. “… I learned a lot here.”
Hovel also recommends that other students should pursue an internship.
“I definitely think more kids in high school should do this,” she said.
Even if it ends up not being the job they want, it helps them gain the types of professional skills needed in the workforce.
“I’ve just had a really positive time here so far,” Hovel said. “It’s been really good.”
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.