By Dan Atkinson
Voice Writer
High school can be stressful enough for students even before they begin considering what they want to do after graduation and which career paths and options are available to them. Additionally, they may not understand what careers could match up with their interests and preferred working environment.
Fortunately, the career-readiness program Igniting Talent, founded by the Joe Abate Charitable Foundation, is giving juniors and seniors from West Haven High School (WHHS) the opportunity to participate in multiple “micro-internships” at local businesses. By doing so, the students get the opportunity to perform hands-on internship in these fields and determine if they want to pursue certain careers.
Aylin Espinoza, a recently graduated WHHS student, and employees at the city’s design-build remodeling firm Baybrook Remodelers Inc. all saw the benefits of Igniting Talent up close in late April. During her internship, Espinoza had the opportunity to explore her interest in interior design and directly assist with computer designs for projects. Meanwhile, Baybrook gained a hard-working intern who embraced the opportunity to learn new skills.
Meghan Abate was inspired to start the foundation in memory of her late husband Joe. The two had regularly discussed how difficult it is to know what you want to do as a senior following high school and the different career options available to you. Abate, an ESL teacher at WHHS, wanted to make Joe’s dream of students having the ability to explore different career paths in their community and gain an understanding of career options available to them a reality.
Igniting Talent began three years ago and was created in partnership with school counselors at WHHS and the business community. It allows juniors and seniors uncertain of their future after high school the opportunity to explore different professions and participate in up to three micro-internships, with each one lasting two weeks. Internship opportunities are identified based upon a student’s personal interests and personality and career assessment tests.
The fact that our interns can have hands-on, real-life experiences while completing their internships really sets our program apart. Students become immersed in their career and different positions during their micro internship,” Abate said. “Our interns have expressed appreciation that they’re gaining valuable knowledge and experience which allows them to make choices in which career field may be best for them.”
If a student has interest in continuing to work in a particular field following their internship, program leaders will create a pathway for them to enter it. This can include identifying certain training or academic requirements they may need to meet to become employed, as well as potential compensation and career growth. Through the foundation, Igniting Talent can award the student a scholarship to use for schooling or training. Abate said multiple students have committed to pursuing a career path after their internship.
Espinoza chose to participate in Igniting Talent because she had been unsure of what career she should pursue after high school.
“Throughout my life, I didn’t know what I wanted my career path to be. I didn’t know what kind of jobs there were in the world,” Espinoza said.
Espinoza was eventually assigned to do a micro-internship at Baybrook Remodelers because of her interest in interior design. Espinoza said she has always enjoyed designing her room and providing others with ideas for designing theirs.
Baybrook Remodelers founder Ken Carney said the firm’s leadership team chose to participate in Igniting Talent after two close friends explained the program and its benefits. Baybrook recognized that allowing students to do internships at their firm would be a beneficial way to serve young people in West Haven.
While interning at Baybrook, Espinoza’s main tasks were to organize files and add machines and cabinets to the computer designs of a few projects Baybrook was in the process of working on. An example of this was her using 3D technology to design a kitchen space.
Espinoza said she enjoyed her internship and Baybrook’s working environment.
“What I enjoyed most about the experience was being able to do tasks at my own pace and all the friendly people there. The biggest lesson I learned from it is to take your time on tasks.”
Espinoza did a lot of hands-on work with architect Mark Homburg and developed a close relationship with him. She praised his kindness and ability to clearly explain projects with patience. Homburg discussed what he taught her.
“I tried to teach Aylin some basic fundamentals in the design-build industry, such as how to look at a project and organize all the pieces in order to better understand all the potential complexities.”
Carney praised Espinoza’s ability to quickly learn design programs and assist with complicated tasks.
Abate said that Baybrook offered Espinoza and other interns experiences in a career path that Igniting Talent previously had not offered. She said the firm was very accommodating with work plan ideas and scheduling and encouraged interns to be independent.
Baybrook’s flexibility and embrace of Igniting Talent’s mission motivated Abate and the foundation to present Carney and his staff with an official certificate of appreciation and along with designating Baybrook as a “Career Launcher.”
“We are so grateful for how welcoming and supportive Ken and his staff were towards interns,” Abate said. “Providing them with a Career Launcher certificate was the least we could do to express this.”
Homburg and Carney believe that Igniting Talent is doing essential work and are looking forward to their firm continuing to participate in it.
“I think doing such a program is invaluable to a young person. Being able to experience a career before graduation can only have a positive impact,” Homburg said. “I think companies should feel the need to be part of this type of program as integral members of their community. It’s a pleasure working with young people, and I look forward to being involved (with the program) in any way.”
Espinoza decided to not pursue a career path in interior design and or related positions because she is not interested in working an office job. However, she decided to work at a daycare in Branford where she interned, an experience Espinoza described as amazing.
Abate said the Igniting Talent program is currently working with four other area high schools. She hopes the foundation can continue bringing it to other school districts during the next year.
Abate has a clear vision for what she wants Igniting Talent’s legacy to be.
“The Joe Abate Foundation hopes to see the program reach many students and provide a pathway to their future careers for years to come. All students deserve the opportunities to explore (career pathways) with support and resources and gain confidence in their abilities to succeed.”