While many students are stuck in the classroom for a full day of classes, Senior Abby Konieg is getting a head start on a professional career. Through the opportunity with Walter Johnson’s internship program, she is able to leave school a period early to head to her paid position as a hostess at the Columbia Country Club.
Konieg’s internship is unique among most high school students, where many remain unpaid or stay within school grounds. In addition to maintaining her position beyond the summer and continuing to collect paychecks, she has also gained academic course credit.
“I get a check every two weeks, and although I have to pay taxes, I get a tax return at the end of the fiscal year,” Konieg said.
Konieg’s involvement has helped her strengthen her financial awareness at an early age. In addition, Konieg focuses the rest of her 6 classes on a more rigorous academic schedule to balance demanding courses with real-world responsibilities. Having time to start work earlier during the 7th instead of later in the day allows her to manage her time efficiently.
“Being able to only have 6 classes allows me to have more time to get all my work done and continue to work regularly,” Konieg said.
However, one disadvantage of being hired under an internship is that her schedule is not fully consistent with her other coworkers.
“A con is that sometimes I get taken off the schedule since I’m not a full-time employee,” Konieg said.
In addition, having a job as a teen can limit the amount of time they have to be able to hang out with friends and complete schoolwork, but Konieg has gotten the hang of it.
“Abby does a great job of balancing her time with friends and school with her job. Once done with work, she will call her friends, do homework, and she always finds time to hang out with all of us,” senior Alex Krouse said.
The experience for Konieg has not only benefited her financially, but Konieg claims that her communication skills have improved, which is a valuable life skill.
“It gives me some perspective on the world and what I want my future to look like,” Konieg said.
The conversations she has with coworkers and even club members allow her to look into different careers and what a successful path looks like past high school.
“Talking about careers and interests every day with adults lets me know how much work it is going to take to get to where I want to be, but at the same time, they make it seem very rewarding, and have given me tips on how to balance everything,” Konieg said.
In addition, the conversations have strengthened her communication skills and have shaped her into a more mature person.
“Having a job as early as age 15 has helped Abby become a more mature person and develop her organization and time management skills,” softball head coach Richard Carter said.
For other students curious about whether it is a good idea to get a paid internship, Koenig recommends it.
“You get real-world experiences, connections and paychecks,” Konieg said.
