Professional Internship Program
Test Drive Your Future Career
What Is PIP?
PIP is an excellent way for high school seniors to gain experience in a career field or industry prior to taking college level courses. Area businesses sponsor students for a one semester, unpaid internship - Approximately 16 weeks.
Fall: September – December
Spring: January – April
→ How does it work?
The students are on-site with the sponsors 8 hours per week assisting the sponsors with any and all types of work - related activities in order to provide the students with a snapshot of the day-to-day work environment. If possible, the more hands-on the students can be the better experience it is for both the student and sponsor.
Prior to the beginning of the internship, sponsors “interview” the students to ensure the placement will be a good fit and to outline expectations.
During the semester the students conduct a career research project, write a resume, cover letter and prepare for their interview. The final exam project examines a “problem” in the internship career field and the student, along with the guidance of the sponsor, proposes a “solution” and presents their findings to the sponsor and the class.
→ When do the students work?
We block the students’ schedule four days per week for 2 hours so they can be on-site with the sponsor either in the mornings or the afternoons. However, we allow the sponsor and student to adjust the schedule to fit their specific needs.
→ How are students selected?
Students are selected to the program by application, interview and teacher recommendations. They must be students with good grades, conduct and attendance and must have reliable transportation.
→ Who is the typical PIP Intern?
Our students are bright, responsible, mature seniors who are eager to learn about careers they are considering for their future.
Many students request internships in the following industries:
- Software/Video Game Design
- Financial/Accounting/Actuary
- Medical/Dental/Veterinary
- Architecture/Interior Design
- Graphic Design
- Law/Litigation/Corporate Law
- Politics/Political campaigns
- Engineering/Petroleum/Civil
- Fashion Marketing/Design
- Sports Marketing
- Marketing/Public Relations
- Film/Stage Production
- Aviation
- Journalism
- Management
- Forensic Science/Criminology
For More Information, Contact Us At:
PIP Coordinators
701 W. Belt Line Rd.
Richardson, TX 75080
Cherie DePuy (Pearce HS, Lake Highlands HS)
Leigh Ann Hampton (Richardson HS, Berkner HS)