During the 2023-24 program year, over 140 CCI participants have interned with organizations and businesses across the United States. As part of their requirements, participants must complete at least 50 unpaid internship hours in order to build hands-on professional experience in various fields. Through these experiences, participants gain valuable skills that will help them plan for future careers.
For some, the internship goes beyond gaining skills and obtaining professional experience. In Appleton, Wisconsin, Julian Franco Morales (Colombia, Fox Valley Technical College, Tourism and Hospitality) has spent the semester interning at Hearthstone Historic House Museum, a historic home in Appleton that has been converted into a museum. On September 30, 1882, it became the first residence in the U.S. powered by a centrally located hydroelectric station using the Edison system.
In his role, Julian welcomes visitors upon arrival, handles ticket sales, and presents tour options. He also conducts brief tours of the basement level while visitors await the start of the main tour. Julian contributes to the museum by brainstorming new ideas and projects aimed at attracting a larger audience. One of the most engaging events they organize is Murder Mystery Night, which Julian particularly enjoys because of his love for acting and role-playing. Julian plays the role of the butler and enjoys interacting with the guests as they investigate and immerse themselves in the experience. Julian brings his interpersonal skills to the position and makes connections with guests and staff. He likes to contribute suggestions for the enhancement of the museum. Being creative is a personal passion of Julian’s, and this internship has provided him with opportunities to release his artistic side.
Regarding his experience, Julian stated, “I have learned a lot of new techniques on how to engage with the public, with tourists and staff through simple conversations and large events. I plan to apply these skills in my career at home working in tourism. It has also helped me realize how much I enjoy engaging with people, being creative and using my imagination. It has given me a new perspective on how tourism and hospitality can truly be enjoyable, and it is inspiring me to be more creative.”
Julian playing the role of the butler as an intern at Hearthstone Historic House Museum
After reaching out to Gray Solutions CEO Walker Mattox, Everton Junior da Silva Arruda (Brazil, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Engineering) secured an internship with Gray Solutions, an automation company under Nestle Purina. During his internship, Everton had the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive factory tour, which provided him with invaluable insights into the many stages of production. He also underwent rigorous safety training and delved into technical aspects of the operation, such as learning about measuring liquid flow using the Coriolis principle, calibration procedures for valves, and the use of ultrasonic sensors for radar level measurement. Furthermore, he has participated in safety meetings and discussions with the commissioning automatic team, which provided him with opportunities to learn about operational procedures, safety protocols, and project timelines.
Everton said that his internship with Gray Solutions has been an invaluable experience, allowing him to gain practice knowledge and hands-on experience in the field: “My persistence opened doors, and Gray Solutions believed in me.”
CCI Participant Everton Junior da Silva Arruda gaining valuable hands-on experience during his internship with Gray Solutions
At Northern Virginia Community College, several CCI participants are interning with NOVA’s IET (Information and Engineering Technologies) Department, thanks to the efforts of CCI participant Mathew Kutina (Ghana, NOVA – Annandale, Information Technology). During the fall semester, Mathew contacted Professor Seminario, a NOVA IT faculty member, for an internship opportunity. After their first meeting, Professor Seminario initiated an internship program for CCI participants within the NOVA IET department. Now, six CCI participants are working under the NOVA loaner laptop program, a service that rents laptops for free to students. As part of their internship, CCI participants diagnose and repair the laptops so NOVA students can borrow and use them for academic classes. So far, they have fixed over a hundred laptops. Moreover, the participants also fulfill roles as teaching assistants within the IET department, offering support to fellow students as required. In addition to Mathew, CCI participants interning through this program include Alice Lima Soares (Brazil), Ntokozo Mbhekiswayo (South Africa), Luluh Shezi (South Africa), Sima Maqhalo (South Africa), and Diego Perez Diaz (Dominican Republic). Through this internship opportunity, the IT students are gaining hands-on experience and helping students that don’t have regular access to computers.
Mathew volunteering with the NOVA IET Department
As the 2023-24 program year wraps up, each participant carries with them not just the skills and knowledge gained through their internships, but also the understanding that their contributions can have meaningful impacts. The stories of these CCI participants illuminate the pathway for future cohorts, encouraging them to seek out opportunities, dive into the practical aspects of their fields, and, most importantly, to take advantage of each and every experience that comes their way.
Written by Holly Calhoun, Alumni Relations & Communications Coordinator