Since 2014, the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program opens up for PISD High School Students.
It connects motivated high school students to local businesses and organizations. These interns are provided real work experiences that help them transition into college and future careers.
Students selected will work their paid 8-week internship from June 10 to August 2. Jobs will range from 20 to 40 hours per week. This program really provides life-changing, real work experiences, these internships have helped build the vision and the skills needed for students to successfully transition into college and into future careers.
A long list of local companies, national and global companies take part in this program, including Capital One, the Dallas/Plano Marriott, Meals on Wheels Collin County, Texas Health Plano and Girl Scouts of North Texas.
To qualify for acceptance into the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, you need to be at least 16 years of age by June 10, 2019; must either be a rising junior or senior at a Plano public high school; or a rising junior or senior at Hebron High School and reside in the City of Plano.; and, be able to work in the United States. Students must also have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (at least 85%), have a solid attendance record and be able to work the entire 8 weeks of the internship – June 10 through August 2.
Let’s meet Sara, one of the many chosen interns in the Summer of 2018.
– What age, grade, and school do you attend?
Sara: 16 years old. Going to be a Junior at Plano Senior High School.
– Why did you apply for the program?
Sara: My Business Teacher recommended me to the Internship program. It interested me because you don’t see a lot of opportunities for High School undergrads to get out into corporate America. I want to be an Event Coordinator someday, and it was the best opportunity for me to get placed in a hotel. Did it meet your expectations? Yes, definitely! I know I shouldn’t go in expecting anything. However, it exceeded my expectation.
– What did you learn from the experience?
Sara: While in the hotel, I shadowed several different departments. I started off in Front Office/Housekeeping, Accounting, Kitchen, Banquets, Restaurant, Human Resources & General Manager. I ended my Internship with four weeks in Sales/Catering & Events. During my time here, I learned how crucial how important leadership & teamwork is to be successful.
My favorite part was being able to plan the Plano Mayor’s Internship Luncheon for 400ppl. I started by planning the menu with the kitchen to relaying the information to all of the departments. It was exciting to see it come through to fruition on Monday, July 31st.
If anyone were to ask me today, 10 out of 10, I would recommend applying for the internship.
Shannon, who is the Director of Catering Events at the Hilton Granite Park says that
“Sara attended several of our internal meetings to see that being in Events, there is a lot more to the “behind the scenes” in planning. She also responded to leads, went to Wedding Tastings, shadowed corporate groups while they were in-house, worked social events (weddings), assisted with office projects, attended Sales calls with the team as well as go on hotel sites with prospective clients.”
It was important to her to “ensure that Sara had a well-rounded experience within all aspects of the Sales/Catering & Events Department. Each department strives for the same goal, to get business into the hotel and ensure the client is happy with their event. Sara gained experience in each department, to know not only what they do, but also allow her to decide where she would like to be in the future.”
It sounds like Sara had an awesome experience, something she will always remember! Do you know someone that might be interested in applying for this Summer’s internship? Here’s how to apply!