Building STEPS Interns' experiences
Written by Building STEPS intern Patrick
Building STEPS is an amazing program that prepares their students for success. It provides them with the tools they need in order to get into and to succeed in college, as well as in their career. Building STEPS has partnered with 15 Baltimore City Public Schools to find the top high-achieving students in their sophomore year. The program begins in their junior year.
Did you know that more than 80% of the Building Steps students earn a college degree? There is a series of five components throughout their years in Building STEPS: Junior Seminars, Summer Experience, College Workshops, College Connect, and Alumni Services. During the Summer Experience, Building STEPS participants attend summer workshops skills for the workplace and college entrance exam preparation. They are also placed at an internship that will help build their professional skills. The Summer Experience has allowed many of the Building Steps students to intern at IMET this year. Here’s what they have to say:
Baudratte
What was your favorite part of the internship? Everything. Such as working with Ms. Tonya and the IT works.
What did you learn here that you’ll use in the future? Working with and making spreadsheets.
What did you want to major in college? Economics and Anthropology
What do you like to do outside of the workplace/school? Watching Anime, Korean Drama, basically watching a lot of TV.
What does Building STEPS mean to you? It gives opportunities such as this internship and teaches me about college. It also exposes me to many different environments.
Patrick
What was your favorite part of the internship? I loved making the spreadsheets on Microsoft Excel. It was exciting condensing a lot of info on a large sheet of paper into a simple spreadsheet.
What did you learn here that you’ll use in the future? Everything!! From filing expenses to learning how to update websites.
What did you want to major in college? Mathematics, Accounting, Business Management, and Financing.
What do you like to do outside of the workplace/school? I love to sleep, play the game, workout whenever I’m able to, and go outside with friends.
What does Building STEPS mean to you? Building Steps means a lot to me and I am very grateful for being accepted. It is their priority that their students are ahead of the game. It also made me realize my goals are achievable and gave me tons of confidence.
Jachele
What was your favorite part of the internship? Being able to pack different supplies and send them to different schools.
What did you learn here that you’ll use in the future? The ability to multitask, how to use Microsoft Excel, and doing Data Entry.
What did you want to major in college? Early Childhood Education and Pharmacy Studies.
What do you like to do outside of the workplace/school? I like to cheer and dance. I also like to go places and hang with friends
What does Building STEPS mean to you? It helps me become a better person, It helps me organize things, and opens my eyes for the future.
Aryon
What was your favorite part of the internship? Harvesting and Dissecting the fish in the Aquaculture Research Center.
What did you learn here that you’ll use in the future? How to use Excel sheet and observing clinical signs in a fish.
What did you want to major in college? Sociology and Criminal Justice
What do you like to do outside of the workplace/school? I like to relax. I hang out with my friends in my spare time.
What does Building STEPS mean to you? It’s an excellent program. It gives people the opportunity to do work in an area they want to specialize in.
Aaliyah Perez
What was your favorite part of the internship? Feeding the fish and sharks in the Aquaculture Research Center.
What did you learn here that you’ll use in the future? Learning the major important things of taking care of animals. There is more to it than you would think. Also learning to work with a team.
What did you want to major in college? Biology and Veterinary Science.
What do you like to do outside of the workplace/school? I used to dance but not anymore. I watch a lot of TV and Netflix. I also love sleep.
What does Building STEPS mean to you? It’s a stepping stone for college. Without it, I would be stuck. It helps you and gives you the tools during the college process. It’s a great opportunity and a helping hand.
Yacine
What was your favorite part of the internship? My favorite part was working with the IT groups.
What did you learn here that you’ll use in the future? That I might want to pursue a career in accounting and I like working in an office.
What did you want to major in college? I want to major in either Health Care Management, Accounting, Marketing, or Business.
What do you like to do outside of the workplace/school? Nothing much. I just like to go out with friends.
What does Building STEPS mean to you? It gives me an opportunity to get ahead in school and prepares me for life in college.
Diamond
What was your favorite part of the internship? Making genomic shapes from sharks by myself.
What did you learn here that you’ll use in the future? Learning patience and being precise with my work
What did you want to major in college? I want to major in Nursing.
What do you like to do outside of the workplace/school? I like to relax at home and go out with friends.
What does Building STEPS mean to you? It is a program that helps me thrive and do better and helps me learn more about careers.