Nex-Gen’s internship program continues to thrive, demonstrated by the fact that as of the recently surpassed March 1 deadline, there were 191 applicants for 152 available positions.

While these are outstanding numbers that clearly show the popularity of the program, Executive Director of Nex-Generation for Youth, Jacque Beckman, stated that they are still seeking applications that will remain open until filled, so it is not too late if you or a youth in your life is seeking a summer internship that will benefit them for years to come. 

One of the most popular programs offered by Nex-Gen, the internship program benefits employers and students alike. According to the Nex-Gen website, “Through the Nex‐Generation Student Internship Program, college and high school students are  employed by local businesses within a 28‐county area of Northwest and North Central Kansas for paid, summer internships. The goal of the program is to provide each intern with lifelong skills that will better  prepare them for future careers, right here at home.”

The Summer 2022 internships will run from May 25-July 29. 

The goal of the internship program is to help students gain professional skills and learn more about possible career options, with the ultimate hope that many of the interns will end up living and working in small, rural Northwest Kansas communities.

One Northwest Kansas business that has encountered a positive experience with Nex-Gens interns is Phillips County Health Systems. Jessica Stewart, Human Resources at PCHS, explained that the internship program has been in place at PCHS for the past five years, and that the hospital takes four interns each year.

Stewart explained the role of interns at PCHS, stating, “The interns do a multitude of tasks. I have them rotate through the majority of the department so they get to see a broad picture of how healthcare works and how everyone has to work together to treat the patient.”

As far as her experience with the interns, Stewart commented, “I have had great experiences with the interns. The interns take initiative to broaden their knowledge in healthcare and they really enjoy new things. I also enjoy that they think of new ideas.”

Internships offer a wide variety of skills and learning opportunities for interns, and Stuart explained that at PCHS, the interns do everything from performing a CT, to doing rehab with a patient, to sitting in on a patient visit to their doctor. “The interns are able to learn hands-on what a day would look like if they were to choose the medical field for their career,” she said.

Stuart observes that internships can actually benefit students in a roundabout manner and would encourage all students to apply . “I encourage them to participate in this internship because it gives them a better understanding of what their day-to-day job would look like. I have had cases where an intern comes in thinking they want to be in healthcare and by the end of the summer they figure out healthcare isn’t for them. I also see a lot of times where the internship validates what they want to do. This internship also helps them with their future careers in the sense that it is good to put on resumes to get into programs for schools.”

Norma Kobbeman, secretary at the Board of Education office for USD 298 Lincoln, offered additional information about the experience the school district has had with a Nex-Gen intern.

According to Kobbeman, USD 298 has had six summer interns, beginning in the summer of 2016. “It has been a great experience to become acquainted and have friendships with these young people. They always bring fresh ideas with them,” she stated.

Like Stuart, Kobbeman expressed some of the benefits the interns experience. “I feel that our interns gain the knowledge of how to work with people of all ages, work with the public, understand what confidentiality is and maintain it, and be willing to take directions to do what people expect,” she said.

Kobbeman lent insight into what sorts of duties their interns will be in charge of, stating, “Interns for USD 209 Interns will gain basic office knowledge, learn how to be a member of a team and work with others, gain work experience that may help them with a career choice, and future references for further employment.”

She went on to say, “Several of the interns were based out of our district office and duties included those working in an office environment – processing the mail daily, answering the phone and making sure that messages went to the right staff member, general filing, and shredding. Some interns had an interest in graphic design and created outreach posters and posted to our website. I like to introduce them by giving them projects that they need to use a piece of outdated office equipment – our typewriter! Interns bring some life to our office setting by keeping us entertained and on our toes – from asking us if we had arranged marriages to what was high school like back in the day! They have such an enthusiasm for life and are ready for what’s next.”

As you can see, being a Nex-Gen intern will not only provide the intern and company alike with fresh ideas, perspectives, and practical skills, but there is also fun waiting to be had!

USD 298 is still looking for an intern for this coming summer. Duties will include assisting food service personnel with the summer food program. The intern will help with serving meals to children and clean-up afterwards. and assisting board office staff with general office duties. 

For more information on the Nex-Gen internship program or to see what positions remain available for Summer 2022, please visit the Nex-Gen website at www.nex-generation.org, choose “Programs”, and then select “Internships”.