Are you ready to kick off your internship? We are moving into the final preparation phase! The RMHS Internship Program is designed to align expectations, schedules, and evaluations to ensure everyone has a successful experience.

INTERN To-Do List

To stay on track, all student interns must complete the following immediately:

• Join Google Classroom: Use code 5a5huglk to access essential materials.

• Complete the Pre-Meeting Form: This form is located within the Google Classroom and is required to align on your specific internship goals.

• Review the Durable Skills Rubric: This resource is now posted to help you understand how you will be evaluated on skills like Teamwork, Leadership, and Communication.

Key Expectations & Deadlines

As you prepare for your 100-hour commitment between April 8th and May 14th, 2026, keep these requirements in mind:

• Bootcamp Prep: Download the Imblaze app before the Internship Bootcamp on April 6th.

• Academic Priority: You must continue attending your AP and DE classes in person until your exams are completed.

• Professionalism: Maintain clear communication with your mentor regarding any schedule changes or absences, and ensure you are dressing and behaving appropriately for your specific role.

• Final Deliverables:

  • Self-Reflection: Submit your reflection on the growth of 5 durable skills by May 14th.

  • Showcase: Prepare a trifold poster of your learnings for the presentation on May 15th.

About Durable Skills

During your internship, you'll be focusing on "Durable Skills"—competencies like Growth Mindset, Metacognition, Critical Thinking, and Fortitude. Use the rubric in Google Classroom to see what "Exemplary" performance looks like so you can aim high from day one!

The Senior Internship Program is an opportunity for students to gain real-world job experience before graduation. Through this program, you will:

• Build valuable job skills

• Develop interpersonal and professional communication skills

• Give back to your community through meaningful work

Instead of attending a full school day, you will spend approximately 100 hours (20 hours per week) at your internship site.

Exceptions for AP & Dual Enrollment Students
Students enrolled in AP or Dual Enrollment (DE) classes will have reduced internship hour requirements as outlined below. To ensure equity, no senior student will be permitted to switch their AP or DE class time to accommodate their internship schedule. Students are responsible for coordinating their availability directly with their internship mentors.

Internship Hour Requirements:

• 0 AP/DE Courses: 100 hours

• 1 AP/DE Course: 80 hours

• 2 AP/DE Courses: 60 hours

• 3 AP/DE Courses: 40 hours

• 4 AP/DE Courses: 20 hours

Seniors on an internship do not take final exams unless in AP or Dual Enrollment classes. 

October 1, 2025: Internship Meeting

October 10, 2025: Internship Fair

October 13 - 31, 2025: Interviews 

November 30, 2025: Internship Applications Due

March 6, 2026: Mandatory Meeting During Flex in the Cafeteria

March 16, 2026: Pre-Internship Meetings begin. We are currently scheduling "Expectation Meetings" involving the intern, their site supervisor, and a program coordinator (Ms. Buckley, Ms. Manos, or Mr. Skeffington). Students will be pulled from class; supervisors will join via Zoom. The goal of the meetings are to align on expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page before the first day.

April 6 & 7, 2026: Mandatory Boot Camp Before heading into the field, all students must complete our intensive Boot Camp. This prepares you for the professional environment and ensures you have the tools you need to succeed.

April 8, 2026: First Day of Internships Once Boot Camp is completed, students will head directly to their internship sites on April 8th to begin their work.

May 15, 2026: Internship Showcase

The April Break Advantage

April break is an ideal window to "rack up" hours and make significant progress on your project. However, planning is key:

• Going Away? If you have travel plans during the break, you must account for that missed time in your master schedule.

• Proactive Planning: Ensure your schedule is calculated to reach the 100-hour requirement regardless of vacation time.

Note to Students: Your success depends on clear communication with your supervisor. If your schedule needs to shift due to school breaks, discuss this during your Pre-Internship meeting.

Get the most out of your time at the fair by coming prepared!

• Practice Your Elevator Pitch – Be ready to introduce yourself:
  Who are you? What are you interested in? What do you want to do in the future?

• Dress Appropriately & Professionally

• Ask Questions – Show curiosity and interest in each organization.

• Take Business Cards – Collect contact information for follow-up.

• Send Follow-Up Emails – A thank-you note makes a strong impression.

• Bring Your Resume – Highlight your skills, experiences, and interests.

• Be Yourself – Confidence and authenticity go a long way!

• Practice with a Partner – Run through your elevator pitch with a classmate.
  
  

Sample Elevator Pitch:
“Hi, my name is __________ and I’m a Senior at Reading Memorial High School. I am interested in __________ as a possible career path. I enjoy __________ in my free time. One skill/attribute I think I could bring to an internship with your company is __________. One thing I hope to get out of my senior year internship is __________.”

Sample Questions to Ask Employers:

• What type of work does your business do?

• What do you like about your job?

• How do you see an intern contributing to your work?

• What types of projects would an intern work on?

• What skills could I develop through an internship at your company?

• How could I best prepare for an internship with your organization?