Julie Fisher, CEO, The Trail Conservancy
In 2025, it is easy to assume that all students and young working professionals have equal access to opportunities in the workforce across a wide range of fields. However, upon digging a bit deeper it is also easy to see that those in established professions have access to a resource desired by all and acquired by few: A professional network.
For many of us, our first foray into the real world comes in the form of an internship. Paid or unpaid, this work experience offers a glimpse into our chosen path and allows the opportunity to pivot when needed or proceed with confidence. According to results from a 2023 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 62% of graduating seniors took part in an internship at some point in their college career and 59% of those were paid.
Internships reflect the greatest gift we can give others: The gift of opportunity.
For my major in college, Recreation Administration, I was required to complete three internships and each one provided such valuable experience–from Texas State intramurals, to working as a wedding event coordinator and ultimately landing an amazing opportunity interning abroad in Australia for an Aussie Rules Football team. Each internship provided such valuable experience and connections that led me to where I am today.
But for first-generation students – those who will become the first in their family to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree, or certificate or license – the connections necessary to earn the coveted internship don’t always exist. Moreover, for students who come from traditionally under-resourced communities, unpaid internships may not be an option at all, as a paycheck is often necessary to keep the college dream alive and funded.
Enter the Breakthrough Internship Network.
I was first introduced to Breakthrough Central Texas over ten years ago when I had the opportunity to manage the partnership between my then employer, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and Breakthrough. I enjoyed getting to know the organization primarily through their work in Manor ISD and encouraged our employees to get involved and volunteer. When we started discussing career pathways and opportunities for on-the-job learning, my eyes were opened to the internship needs of first-gen students.
The Breakthrough Internship Network creates a seamless pairing between motivated students and host companies to provide paid learning and professional development opportunities that are mutually beneficial. Whether host companies have a formal internship program or are hosting an intern for the first time, Breakthrough makes it easy for students and employers alike. Additionally, the organization supplements the host company’s offerings through learning and professional development opportunities that benefit students directly.
As former Chair of the Internship Network, I have hosted two interns—at Samsung Austin Semiconductor and National Instruments (NI)—and both were absolutely incredible. Their proven success as interns helped both earn job offers immediately after graduation – the ultimate short-term goal for most students! That experience is not uncommon, as several host companies have made full-time offers to students upon completion of their internships. To this day, I am still in touch with both Breakthrough interns and I beam with pride watching as they thrive and excel in their careers.
Breakthrough students offer unparalleled eagerness and dedication to succeed, and the Breakthrough Internship Opportunity offers access to incredible talent. In my experience, the soft skills of eagerness, effort and a can-do attitude helped them shine as they tackled any task. Those skills, when coupled with earned experience, are transferable and applicable to any career they pursue.
At the end of the internship, students across all host companies come together to present on their experience. This event is so inspiring as you see what they each accomplished and they demonstrate their learnings.
I am constantly impressed by the breadth and depth of companies of all sizes across industries who provide meaningful opportunities for Breakthrough students. To-date, Breakthrough has placed more than 800 unduplicated students in valuable internships. I recently started my new position as CEO at The Trail Conservancy and was delighted to learn that they have a strong partnership with Breakthrough and have hosted multiple interns with great results!
If your company is looking for dependable, hard working students who can make great contributions to your workforce, I encourage you to check out the Breakthrough Internship Network. The benefits of seeing deserving students earn their place and grow connections never cease to amaze you. I know you’ll be impressed by the skills these young workers can bring to your team, too!
Become a Breakthrough Internship Network Host Company today. Apply now!
