From Classroom To Career

One of the most meaningful components of a Chaviva education is the Senior Internship Program, which is held the month before graduation. Serving as the capstone experience for our seniors, each student completes a 40-hour internship over two weeks in a field that aligns with her interests and aspirations. More than just a glimpse into a potential career, the internship program provides students with the opportunity to develop communication skills, responsibility, independence, and professionalism while experiencing the realities of the workplace firsthand.

Students interested in healthcare gained firsthand exposure to a variety of medical settings. One senior shadowed a general surgeon at UH Westside Surgical Specialists, observing procedures, patient care, and the latest surgical technology. Others explored careers through placements at University Hospitals, the UH Heart Failure Intensive Care Unit, and Cleveland Nutrition, LLC, learning about patient care, teamwork, and the many paths available within the healthcare field.

Beyond medicine, students pursued opportunities in education, business, law, photography, retail, and finance. Interns at RIK Enterprises, Armoire by ALV, New Image Photography, and Friedman, Nemeck, Long & Grant, LLC gained valuable insight into professional environments while developing workplace skills and exploring potential career interests.

Throughout their internships, students were challenged to think critically about their futures. Some discovered new interests, while others gained a clearer understanding of the realities, rewards, and challenges of careers they had already been considering. For many, the experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, communication, and lifelong learning.

The internships also provided students with the opportunity to represent their values in a professional environment. Whether working in Jewish settings or secular workplaces, students reflected on what it means to bring professionalism, integrity, and respect into every interaction. They saw firsthand how their actions can create positive impressions and strengthen relationships with those around them.

By stepping into real workplaces, asking questions, observing professionals, and taking on new responsibilities, students leave with more than just experience on their résumés. They leave with confidence, perspective, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the paths they may choose to pursue.

We are grateful to the many mentors, supervisors, businesses, and organizations who welcomed our students and invested in their growth. Their generosity helped provide an invaluable learning experience that will continue to influence our graduates long after they leave Chaviva's halls.