Interested in Hosting an Intern?

Program Overview

The Next Move Internship Program works with the local community to design meaningful positions for juniors and seniors in Tacoma Public Schools in order to provide each a preview of their professional future. By working alongside employees in a specific industry, students are able to learn what skills and expertise is needed to be successful in their chosen career field. Internship experiences provide students the opportunity to make informed decisions about their future. 

After participating in Intro to Internship, a preparatory course where students explore their career interests and build their professional skills, students are invited to participate in a 90-hour, unpaid internship experience in the community, where they can continue to build their skills and explore their interests. Students typically intern 4-8 hours per week at their site and are supported throughout the entire experience by their Next Move Coach.

Primary Role of an Intern Host:

  • Meet with students at the beginning of the internship experience to share an overview of your business/organization, discuss internship goals, and set a weekly schedule for the semester.

  • Provide regular guidance to the intern throughout the semester by mentoring them in your field of expertise, as well as reinforce general professionalism in the workplace.

  • Provide formal and informal feedback to your intern throughout the internship experience and encourage them to engage in regular self-reflection on their progress.  

What Makes a Good Intern Host?

  • Someone who is interested in mentoring a young person in their field of expertise or in general workplace readiness.

  • Someone who is patient, encouraging, and willing to work with a young person as they are exploring and preparing for their post-high future.

  • Someone that can provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for a young person to engage in their weekly internship experience.

Intern Hosts Support Students with:

  • Test driving their career interests

  • Making informed post-high decisions

  • Getting connected to career mentors in their community

  • Learning from professionals in a specific field, gaining valuable insight into the skills, education, and experience needed to be successful in that industry.

  • Gaining essential employability skills and strengthen their resume.

Jacob’s Internship Story