Mastery Charter Schools require students to engage in an 18-week internship in order to graduate. The Internship Program is comprised of two components: a 12-week Training Seminar and an 18-week Practicum Seminar. This program challenges students to connect academic and personal skills to the “real world”. The internships provide opportunities for our students to meet the demands of the professional world and to demonstrate the skills needed for post secondary learning and workplace achievement.

Interns work for 18 weeks on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm to 5pm. Internships are unpaid and liability and transportation are covered by Mastery. There are three sessions offered per year:

• Winter: December to April
• Spring: January to June
• Summer Intensive: July

• Observation – understanding workplace culture, organization, behaviors, and expectations
• Research – preparing for interviews to be an informed candidate
• Code-Switching – transitioning confidently from school to work culture
• Communication Skills – sharpening verbal and non-verbal skills
• Time management and organization – arriving on time and prioritizing projects
• Resume development – translating unpaid activities and experience into functional skills
• Interviewing – presenting oneself in a professional manner by demonstrating business etiquette, appropriate attire, and effective communication of skills and strengths
• Framing and Persuasion – “selling” one’s skills and demonstrating positive attitude
• Self-Awareness – assessing and reflecting on one’s interests, skills, and personality

• Active Listening and Paraphrasing
• Taking Initiative – demonstrating responsibility for learning, work and communication
• Question Asking and Critical Thinking – deepening observation
• Reflection – learning from experience and setting goals for growth
• Building Relationships and Networking – meeting co-workers and establishing long term contacts
• Current Events – recognizing the importance of familiarity with current events
• Understanding Organizational Structure
• Recognizing and Demonstrating Hard, Soft and Transferable Skills
• Public Speaking – preparing and presenting a culminating project detailing their experiences utilizing PowerPoint

• Assistance with administrative and project-based tasks
• Opportunity for mentor to enrich management experience
• Builds morale through meaningful community involvement
• Offers positive public relations as a recognized partner in an educational partnership

• Contribute to the productivity of mentoring organization
• Take initiative toward reaching their identified internship goals
• Utilize Microsoft Office software applications
• Contact mentor in advance of any absence or lateness
• Complete requested tasks with efficiency and attention to detail

Interested organizations should fill out a Participation Form and submit online to amanda.neill@masterycharter.org or via fax at 215-922-1903. For more information on this program, contact the Internship Director at 215-922-1902 x 2110.

Click Here to Find a List of Participating Organizations