The internship that is preparing students to change the world

Last summer, I was given the opportunity to participate in Bank of America’s Student Leaders program, alongside 300 other high school juniors and seniors. It was an eight-week, paid internship dedicated to connecting youth to training, tools and resources to help make our communities stronger.

As a 2021 Student Leader, I developed leadership and workforce skills by working at Mile High United Way. The program emphasized the importance of nonprofit work and civic engagement, and a highlight was the time I spent talking to other Student Leaders about the issues they were passionate about. It was energizing to be surrounded by so many young people who share my dedication to advocacy and creative problem solving.

Without access to opportunities to build career skills and earn a paycheck, many young people like myself may be left behind, leading to high rates of youth unemployment and hindering overall economic progress.

Through this program, I explored the possibility of a profession in the nonprofit sector and gained insight into the inner workings of an organization doing critical work. It has always been a dream of mine to run a nonprofit, but I never imagined that I would be able to talk to the CEO of one of the largest nonprofits in the city, let alone present a project to her. Previous Student Leaders have been inspired to pursue careers and employment at nonprofit and community organizations like City Year Denver and Habitat for Humanity after completing their Student Leader programs.

During my experience, I was particularly impressed with Mile High United Way’s “Bridging the Gap” program, which helps young adults who have aged out of the foster care system find stability. Listening to the incredible stories of the lives changed by the program reinvigorated my determination to make the world a more equitable place. I also enjoyed engaging in broader conversations focused on social justice, civil rights and how to build a more diverse and inclusive society. I felt like I was at the forefront of change and developed connections that will last a lifetime. 

This experience was truly transformative for me, clarifying my passion for social policy and nonprofit work as I enter college. I gained a network of knowledgeable adults to guide me and valuable experience in both the business and nonprofit worlds. 

I look forward to leveraging the experiences I gained and the lessons I learned as a Student Leader to become a future changemaker, advocate, and leader.

It is never too early to start thinking about paid summer internships and experience, which is why I encourage current high school juniors and seniors to apply to this great program. Bank of America is currently accepting student applications for its competitive 2022 Student Leaders program through January 28.

To apply to become a 2022 Student Leader, students must:

  • Currently be a junior or senior in high school
  • Be a student in good standing
  • Be able to participate in an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization and work 35 hours per week
  • Be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship through the end of September 2022
  • Obtain a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator

If you or someone you know wants to make a difference, you can learn more and apply online at www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders.

Kalina Kulig Photo Kalina Kulig was a 2021 Denver Summer Student Leader.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Virtual Internship This Summer

Transitioning from college to the workforce can be stressful and overwhelming under normal conditions. Transitioning during a global health and humanitarian crisis—that’s another hurdle entirely.

I have seen estimates that half of summer internships evaporated this year due to coronavirus. But many employers have been able to move internships online and whatever the environment, the goals of a summer internship remain unchanged: to provide students with a taste of a real working experience; and employers with the opportunity to find great talent and build our hiring pipelines.

This year we’ll do it virtually–there’s no question this poses unique challenges, but if any generation can succeed in this environment, it’s Gen Z.

So my main message to this year’s class is: don’t be intimidated; this is an exciting and unique opportunity for you to rise to the occasion. Your employer will benefit from the knowledge and life experiences you bring to the role. As a generation, you’re already comfortable communicating through virtual platforms like Snapchat and Instagram.

You are uniquely positioned to thrive in a virtual environment, and with the right attitude, support and mentorship, your experience will be just as valuable as a regular in-person internship.

Getting the Most Out of Your Internship

Throughout your unique virtual internship, there are steps you can take to have the most success and make a positive impact:

  • Create your own workspace Have a designated area that you work from each day, so you can mimic an office environment, stay organized and focused. It needs to be quiet and free from distraction. For video meetings, dress professionally and tidy up your ‘remote office.’
  • Practice your daily routine Start your day off with a routine and activities that enhance your physical and emotional wellness (which is especially important in the current environment). Make a clear end to your workday and avoid personal distractions when you’re on the job.
  • Make sure your technology works Give yourself extra time to ensure all the technology needed for your job–such as computer, internet access, cellphone–are installed and working properly. You don’t want to be distracted by troubleshooting technical issues.
  • Communicate If there’s one thing that’s needed in a virtual work environment, it’s impeccable communication. Be proactive in communicating with colleagues, mentors and managers on everything from project progress and deadlines, to work challenges or obstacles.
  • Schedule regular check-ins Schedule regular check-ins with your manager to discuss your experience, areas for improvement and tips for success. Managers and teammates are happy to help mentor and work with interns and new hires. Leverage your employer’s mentorship programs, virtual networking sessions and other professional development opportunities.
  • Be flexible Many employees are taking on expanded or differing roles and it can open you up to greater opportunity, even if it differs from your initial plan. Being a team player by showing a willingness to learn new skills shows real value to co-workers and management.
  • Get to know your teammates It is harder to get to know fellow interns and colleagues in a virtual setting, but it’s extremely important. Ask to schedule informal calls or networking meetings with colleagues to help build relationships that will last beyond your internship.

Your virtual internship can provide invaluable experience. Seek to gain exposure to leaders in your area of focus, complete meaningful projects and take advantage of networking opportunities, and make the effort to connect with people. An internship also gives you the opportunity to test and learn if a company is a good culture fit for you in the future. Can you see yourself having multiple opportunities to grow your career at the company? At Bank of America for example, our Student Leaders, internships and full-time campus hires represent the future of our company and are critical to fueling our diverse talent pipeline.

I’m proud of Bank of America’s commitment to campus hires during this global health and humanitarian crisis. Not only are we innovating to offer a positive virtual work experience for our incoming class, but we have promised to pay our interns in full, despite a shortened timeline, and we’re also helping create other paid summer employment opportunities in Denver by supporting Mayor Hancock’s My Brother’s Keepers program.

We’re all in this together. Never underestimate the power of a positive attitude, and a collaborative and creative spirit.