For young adults preparing for independence, sometimes one opportunity, like an internship, can open a door they did not expect.
For Jenna R., a youth in Impact Living Services’ Independent Living program in Harrisonburg, an internship through Virginia Workforce became more than a chance to gain work experience. It became something that helped her stand out when she was ready to take the next step in her career.
Building Real-World Experience
Impact’s Independent Living team helped Jenna begin the referral process and get connected with Virginia Workforce. From there, she was placed in an internship in an HR office setting.
During the internship, Jenna gained experience with the everyday responsibilities of working in a professional office. She learned skills such as filing, faxing, inventory management, and navigating the expectations of a professional workplace.
Just as importantly, she gained confidence.
Staff saw Jenna build strong relationships with her coworkers and take pride in the new things she was learning. The internship also gave her an opportunity to explore a type of work environment she may not have considered before.
That exploration is an important part of preparing for adulthood. Young people do not always know what type of career they want right away. Internships allow them to experience new environments, develop practical skills, and learn more about what they enjoy.
Experience That Stood Out
After completing the internship, Jenna applied for a crew member position with a local business.
When the hiring manager reviewed her resume, Jenna’s internship experience caught her attention.
Instead of interviewing Jenna for the position she originally applied for, the hiring manager asked her to interview for a management position. She explained that Jenna’s previous experience made her stand out and demonstrated that she was qualified for more responsibility.
Jenna was ultimately offered the management role.
For Impact staff, it was especially rewarding to see the value of that internship become so tangible.
Independent Living staff often encourage youth to participate in opportunities because they can build skills, strengthen resumes, and prepare them for future employment. Jenna’s experience showed exactly how that can happen.
Her hard work was noticed.
Preparing Youth for What Comes Next
Throughout the process, Impact’s Harrisonburg Independent Living team helped provide transportation and ongoing encouragement while Jenna worked directly with the internship site and Virginia Workforce coordinators.
That support reflects an important part of Independent Living: helping young adults access opportunities while giving them space to build independence for themselves.
Internships and employment experiences can help youth learn how to communicate in professional environments, build useful workplace skills, strengthen their resumes, and explore careers they may never have considered.
For Jenna, the experience did all of those things and it helped lead to an opportunity she had not originally expected.
Sometimes the first step toward a bigger opportunity is simply having the chance to show what you can do.
Jenna gave permission for us to share her story and use her first name.
Learn more about Impact’s Independent Living program.