by Eduardo Calderon|Staff Writer

As unemployment remains steadily high, certain employers seek experienced candidates for job posistions.  High school students are not the typical candidates they seek due to a lack of experience, but students can finally catch a break with an internship.

The City of San Antonio Student Internship Program provides eligible students with the opportunity to work in departments within the city organization.

Senior Sam Loyd attained an internship during a dentist appointment at Garrison Family Dental.

“First I wanted to do an [internship] for a pharmacy, but I kinda just switched when I asked Doctor Garrison [if internships are available], he was close by,” Loyd said. “It was all by chance.”

An internship can teach skills to students that they would not otherwise learn in the school setting.

Students are enabled to link theory with practice, gain real-world experience and develop specialized skills that cannot be taught in the classroom.

Internships can provide an idea for a possible career path for a student.

“You find out what you want to do in life, having a mentor gives an extra boost when you go to college since you have background information,” Loyd said. “It can save time and money for college.”

Certain internship programs in San Antonio offer accommodations to eligible students.

Paid and unpaid internships are available. Internships may be eligible for college credit, and work locations, duties and schedules vary by department. Student interns are supported by Intern Mentor and Internship Coordinator, and starting and ending dates are based upon the needs of the department.

Internships can teach skills in all aspects of the work field.

“Being there you learn to appreciate people’s time, you learn to appreciate other people, and you get along with all kinds of people,” Loyd said.

Obtaining an internship is as easy as filling out a class on your course card.

“You probably have to be a senior [or junior] to do an internship, you have to do clinical rotation twice,” Loyd said. “Anyone who took medical science, or clinical rotation can participate, and I encourage it.”

An internship can have a lasting impact for a student in a work place.

“I’m going to continue my clinical rotation and internship,” Loyd said. “I really like it, and it really paid off.”

For additional information about interships in San Antonio, see: http://www.sanantonio.gov/hr/jobs/jobs_student_internships.asp