IgniteU Mission Statement

IgniteU's Mission is to connect students and local businesses through job-shadowing and internship opportunities that will help students gain the "real world" experience necessary to ignite their career in the Central Valley. One of the most valuable experiences we can offer to students to help them realize their future career goal is to bring a glimpse of the future to them...to give them an opportunity to experience their future career first hand...and to help illuminate the steps they need to take to reach that brilliant future! "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles by it." Margaret Fuller

• Provide exposure to the potential careers available in the Central Valley to high school and college students, while helping to increase retention of local talent.
• Provide a "go to" source for high school students upon receipt of a work permit.
• Help high school and college students gain "real world" experience and knowledge in their chosen field while also giving them the opportunity to demonstrate ability with a specific employer.
• Develop relationships between local talent and local business that will facilitate and encourage job-seeking in our community after graduation.
• Provide high school and college students the opportunity to increase their job and social skills while building their resume.
• Encourage Central Valley businesses to play an active role in positively impacting and molding our future workforce by hosting job-shadows and internships.

Created by Sherri Darpinian. Co-Developed and in Partnership with CentralValleyJobs.com.

All Rights Reserved. IgniteU 2012 ©

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an internship?

An internship is a temporary work or volunteer opportunity designed to give you experience with a specific company in a specific position. While each internship program is different, the overall goal is to provide you with on the job experience and to give you exposure to a specific industry or company. It is a great way for employers to evaluate the current labor force and a great way for you to experience the employment opportunities locally.

What is a job shadow?

A job shadow is similar to an internship but is designed to give you a more broad experience within a company or industry. Many times a job shadow is conducted in a group setting and you may shadow several different positions. It may be more observation oriented than hands-on oriented.

What kind of work will I be doing at an internship/job shadow?

Each employer will have different needs and expectations from interns. The experiences you gain through and internship or job shadow are designed to give you exposure and experience to what the job or industry work actually entails. All work is meant to be meaningful to the intern and the employer.

How long will the internship/job shadow last?

Each internship/job shadow will have different time frames and is up to the employer to establish how long the opportunity will last. It may be one day or several months. Please check the internship listing for more details.

What is the difference between a paid and unpaid internship?

In a paid internship you are compensated for your time. In an unpaid internship you are volunteering your time. Both types of internships will give you very similar company/industry experience.

Is there an opportunity for employment once the internship ends?

Any employment opportunities are at the sole discretion of the employer. It should not be expected that the employer will offer employment, but the opportunity does exist.

How do I apply for an internship?

Please follow instructions in the job shadow or internship listing for more information on how to apply for the position.

Why should I apply for an internship or job shadow opportunity?

Being involved in a job shadow or internship program has many benefits. You are able to gain experience in a particular industry, learn more about the opportunities within an industry or company and make contacts for future employment. It can also give you direction if you are unsure about what career path to follow. You may find that you really enjoy doing work you never thought you would like.

Can I receive High School or College credits for an internship or job shadow?

Depending on where you attend school you may or may not be eligible to receive credits. It is best to contact your school's career center and/or counseling office.