SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio students are gaining real world experience before graduation — and getting paid, too.
Employers such as Port San Antonio are offering hands-on internships to high school and college students, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce while helping the city attract and retain top talent.
Students discovering career paths early
Jake McDonald, a senior at John F. Kennedy High School, spent his summer working eight-hour days as a paid intern at Port San Antonio.
He said the experience changed his outlook.
“All the tours we’ve been on, it really opened my eyes to all the different things out there,” McDonald said. “And this specifically solidified my place in information technology.”
The internship also helped McDonald grow beyond technical skills.
“I don’t think I would be able to talk to you like this if it wasn’t for this internship,” McDonald said. “I definitely broke out of my shell.”
When asked what he would tell other students his age thinking about an internship, McDonald didn’t hesitate.
“Take the chance. Definitely, take the chance,” he said. “Do not pass up on any opportunities.”
greater:SATX connects students across industries
This summer, greater:SATX — the region’s economic development organization — helped connect more than 150 students with internships spanning healthcare, finance, manufacturing and other industries.
Joshua Scott, senior vice president of talent and workforce at greater:SATX, said these young professionals represent the region’s economic future.
“When we talk about companies coming to San Antonio, that job creation piece — this is the future talent that’s going to be getting into these jobs,” Scott said.
Port San Antonio Business Development Specialist Stephanie Garcia said these opportunities were built with local students in mind.
“We want these kids to know that these jobs are here right in their backyard,” Garcia said. “These jobs are for them, and we want them to know they deserve them.”
Port San Antonio and greater:SATX said their internship programs serve a dual purpose: attracting new companies to the region and keeping homegrown talent in San Antonio post-graduation.
Read more about summer internships with greater:SATX here.
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