By Sydney Brown ‘23
Hands-on electrical projects using power tools, digital media, analytics, and writing are just some of the elements Winch interns have immersed themselves in lately.
Winchendon has established an exceptional program called Winch Works that provides valuable internship opportunities for students, allowing them to showcase their abilities while gaining exposure to various departments. The program offers paid internships for individuals to take on roles in athletic, maintenance, marketing, and business departments.
Under the guidance of Pete Blais, Director of IT, a team of three student interns, Ava Newton, Gabe Dion, and Willie Torres, were hard at work supporting the community, “replac[ing] old and underpowered wireless access points (WAPs/radios) in the dining hall, virtually quadrupling our wireless capacity in that space. All three are learning new skills…and honing the application of hand and power tools in various situations,” says Blais.
In addition to gaining valuable work experience, interns can also earn extra cash, allowing them to continue their studies with considerable attention. Sydney Brown, a Winch alumna, contacted the CEO, John Kerney, and secured herself a Data Analytics and Marketing position with the Director of Marketing, Deb Schultz. “I believe my nine-month experience has opened up other opportunities and networking connections with experience using HubSpot, AI, PicMonkey, Excel, Canva, and Google Forms that are beneficial to the work I’ve performed,” says Syd. She recently had a conversation with the CMO of Orlando City SC, Pedro Franklin de Araujo, to ask questions in the hopeful pursuit of an internship.
Interns: Seek Purpose. Pursue Passion. Chase Opportunity.
As technology continues to grow, college and job placements become more competitive, and students are immersed in these experiences much earlier on. As a result, students are getting a head start that will set them apart from other students. This program provides an opportunity to explore interests, gain exposure to specific avenues, and establish valuable connections with faculty who can align with the student’s interests.
Winchendon encourages students to seek internship opportunities in high school, as it is not only purposeful for their passions but also a valuable element of their career path moving forward. It’s a space to showcase their capabilities, the effort they’re willing to put in to achieve so young, and a reflection of their leadership to attain a deeper meaning of their mark. With the help of this program, students can gain the necessary experience to succeed in college and beyond.
