San Andreas – Five seniors from Calaveras High School are about to complete semester-long internships with Calaveras County government offices. Student interns are working in the Clerk-Recorder’s office, the District Attorney’s office, the Library, the Victim Witness office, and the Public Works office. “These internships open up career pathways into public sector work and help increase the understanding of services the county provides to the community,” said Calaveras County Human Resources Analyst Deborah Schoeman, who coordinates the program.

The students are piloting a new incarnation of an internship program that, years ago, landed at least one current elected official her first county job. County Clerk Recorder Rebecca Turner was hired after completing her internship in the Clerk-Recorder’s office in 2004, which was the last year the internships were offered.

Each student had to meet the requirements for the internship program in order participate. Students spend up to four hours, two to three times each week at their internships, depending on their individual school schedules and the needs of the county government office.

Calaveras High School senior Jared Bisbikis chose an internship with the Clerk-Recorder’s office because of his love for politics and elections. In August 2018, Jared volunteered with the group Democracy in Action to advocate for mid-term election student involvement. Jared said, “I have learned a lot about the elections office and have been exposed to many processes and functions of this office. I feel that this experience has been invaluable as I go on to college next year, and it will look good on my resume.” Jared has been accepted to the University of San Francisco and will be applying to work at the clerk’s office on campus while pursuing majors in both international studies and French.

Jared’s classmate Jacob Young chose an internship in the District Attorney’s office. “I am really enjoying this internship,” said Jacob. “The staff here is really awesome; each case is different and I like all the different jobs they have me doing.” Jacob has limited access to information in the office as a student; however, he is scheduled to receive “CLETS” (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) training in order to get classified clearance. Jacob will be attending the University of California at Santa Barbara as a history major, where he may also study pre-law.

Syerra Smyth selected the Victim Services internship because she loves the work they do and how they help people. “I wanted to be a part of the relief and support that is brought to people who are suffering,” Syerra stated. “I have learned a lot about the court system, the programs offered and how much they take care of everyone and what it takes to help them.” Syerra plans to attend Delta college pursuing general education, working at Starbucks and helping the Calaveras Cheer team.

Andrew Hutt chose the Public Works internship, which was the nearest option to his interests in becoming an Engineer. Andrew talked about his internship saying, “I have learned about the complexity of the county approves certain projects, such as the renovation to a parking lot.” “I have also learned how to read parcel maps and I also value the experience of working in an office environment and feeling valued at this internship.” Andrew plans to attend a 4-year University and purse a degree in either Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering following graduation.

Business Administrator for the Department of Public Works Mark Ksenzulak feels the internship program has been successful so far. “I hope Andrew has found value in the internship and we enjoyed having Andrew in our office,” Mark commented. “Andrew has tackled some time consuming projects, which has been very helpful.” As with all pilot programs, Mark recognizes that being better prepared is a valuable take-away and he will continue to make improvements with each new intern.

The county government internship program is a component of the new Career Technical Education project of the Calaveras Workforce Development Initiative. This pilot program is slated for expansion. Teachers and career centers help inform students of these intern opportunities. To learn more about this program, contact your local high school career center.

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