Internship program at Spectrum offers hands-on experience in the field

High school students in Western New York are getting a head start on their professional careers thanks to a unique internship program offered by Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum News 1. The program provides real-world working experience in customer service for high school seniors, allowing them to earn a paycheck and gain valuable skills along the way.

One such student, Maysha Ahmed, a senior at a local high school, has been part of the program since last summer. As a paid customer service intern at the Spectrum video call center in Cheektowaga, Ahmed has been fielding customer questions and assisting them with their services and equipment. She describes the experience as exciting and valuable, helping her grow both professionally and personally.

The yearlong program begins with full-time training during the summer and offers a flexible schedule during the school year, allowing students to balance work, school, and life. Amy Lauricella, the human resources director at the Spectrum video call center, emphasizes the importance of the communication skills that the interns develop in a professional work setting, skills that will serve them well in their future careers.

Interns start out making $18.50 an hour, with opportunities for merit raises and benefits like free cable and internet service, retirement, and tuition assistance for college. As Ahmed prepares to graduate from high school and the internship program, she is grateful for the experience and looks forward to potentially continuing her career with Spectrum.

Spectrum is currently looking for more interns to join the program this summer. Interested students can apply through their school guidance counselor or visit jobs.spectrum.com. This program is not only providing valuable experience for high school students but also preparing them for success in the workforce and beyond.