Colonie high school senior Layla Eady spent this past fall interning with the Sand Creek Animal Hospital through SUNY Adirondack’s Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP) offered at Colonie.
Eady gained knowledge about the veterinary field through shadowing technicians and assistants on a daily basis along with observing surgeries. This 54 hour internship helped Eady decide to pursue the field of veterinary medicine as her future career path. The experience was both informative and collaborative, working in a professional environment with experienced staff.
“Interning at the Sand Creek Animal Hospital was the best experience I could have hoped for,” Eady said. “The hospital and its staff were amazing while I was completing my internship hours. They always made sure I was informed on what they were doing and learned something new.”
In addition to completing the in-person internship hours, she also documented her experience through insightful journal entries and crafted cover letters for prospective employers. These skills learned will serve as a foundation for her ongoing success and knowledge, extending far beyond graduation.
“Seeing students find a passion for professions through their internship experiences is very exciting and beneficial to them,” said CEIP teacher Kristin Mesick “The skills they learn are more than what can be taught in the classroom and their deepened appreciation and interest in that specific field grows exponentially during their time spent interning.”
Around 25 students each semester participate in the CEIP class that Eady did. Internship sites vary from those in the school district, to local small businesses, hospitals and organizations throughout the community.
“Being able to involve our students in the community around them and build those connections before graduation is something we are proud of,” said CCHS Executive Principal, Tom Kachadurian. “Offering courses like CEIP is just the initial step in providing our students with opportunities to engage with dedicated professionals beyond the school walls.”