Building Early Careers Through Student Work Experience

Michael’s Summer Internship in Technology

Michael, a junior at Norwell High School, spent the summer as an intern in the school district’s information technology department as part of Pre-Employment Transition Services delivered by Easterseals Northeast Indiana.

From 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. four days a week, Michael worked on computers used by children and teens throughout the Wells County district. He replaced worn-out computer cases, cleaned the iPads used by young elementary school pupils, and loaded operating systems onto desktops.

Michael’s interest in computers is so deep, and his focus is so fixed that he was able to work independently many days.

“He was really good for us,” said Byron Gerber, technology director for Northern Wells Community Schools.

Gerber said Michael was the kind of employee who, after he’d had an assignment explained to him, could carry it off without micromanaging.
“He helped us out a lot this summer,” Gerber said.

Student Work Experience Through Easterseals Pre-ETS

Michael was one of dozens of young people in Easterseals Pre-ETS who continued learning beyond the school year through summer internships and volunteer positions. About 70 students applied and were selected to participate in work-based learning experiences, both internships and volunteer work, with 21 different community partners in Adams, Allen, Wells and Whitley counties.

These opportunities highlight the value of student work experience in helping teenagers explore possible career paths while building confidence and independence.

Building Skills Beyond the Classroom

Michael said much of what he knows about computers is what he’s taught himself working on personal projects, such as loading software on small computer boards.
“I’ve also done a few personal website projects” mainly as learning exercises, he said.

Katherine Lyon, the Easterseals staff member who works with Pre-ETS students at Norwell High School, said she only needed to check in on Michael about once a week.
“He is pretty much independently working this position, with the help of other staff who work here,” Lyon said this summer.

Michael’s previous experience helped demonstrate his abilities.
“Michael did an internship (at Science Central) last summer as well, so I was on-site with him all summer,” Lyon said. “I knew what his skills and abilities were, so knowing that and how independent he was, I felt confident that he could do that with just the direction of the IT staff and me checking in once a week.”

Growth From Past Internships

The work he did at Science Central was not nearly as focused on technology as his work at Northern Wells, though he did program and set up robots at the museum.

It definitely did not include presenting science experiments to groups of visiting children.
“I did none of that,” Michael said. “I’m not a very social person. I would have died.”

Still, this combination of different internships illustrates how student work experience can build transferable skills, even when the work is not directly tied to a student’s career goals.

Looking Ahead: Career Goals in Technology

Michael said his interest in computers as a career is “more solidified” after this internship. He may aim for work in cybersecurity, he said.

With continued opportunities for student work experience, Michael and other young adults in Easterseals programs are discovering how early exposure to real-world jobs can shape their future careers.

About Easterseals Pre-ETS

Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s Pre-Employment Transition Services program provides opportunities for student work experience to high school students with disabilities. Through internships, community partnerships, and skill-building projects, students like Michael gain the tools and confidence they need to succeed in meaningful careers.