Executive Internship
Executive Internship Program in Aurora, CO
Senior students have the opportunity to work with a professional in their desired profession. Interns spend 8 to 10 hours a week at their internship site completing work assignments, attending meetings, and developing special projects requested by the sponsor. The intern has the opportunity to make contributions to the organization while achieving personal, academic, and career growth.
Interns are able to schedule classes and still participate in an internship experience on a part-time basis.
Interns spend the first three weeks of the semester attending classes to prepare for the internship. Once students begin their internship, they meet once a week to share and reflect on their experiences. Curriculum for the seminars includes career development, communication skills, problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making skills.
Interns participate in self-assessments and pursue personalized learning plans. Technology is used to assist students in creating and delivering polished presentations. The intern compiles a career portfolio to utilize in the future. Prerequisite: Recommendation of coordinator after application and interview.
The Executive Internship Program is available to Aurora Public Schools students only.
“I can’t express the appreciation that I have for the Executive Internship Program and I tell all my friends with kids in high school about it. What a great way to “try on” a career before investing in the education.”
– Dana DiMarino, parent of Gateway student, Amanda DiMarino, 2014
Instructor Kim Wisneski
Contact: 303-344-4910, ext 27745 or email kkwisneski@aurorak12.org
Years Teaching: Since 1991
Teaching Background:
Mrs. Wisneski taught Business & Technology courses for 15 years at Hinkley High School where she previously graduated as a proud T-Bird. She began teaching and coordinating the Executive Internship Program at Pickens in 2006. She loves helping students find a career that they will enjoy! Her favorite saying… “Find a job that you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.”
Years in Industry:
Part-time work in business during summers and college.
Industry Background:
Administrative assistant and receptionist for various businesses.
Certifications and Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science: Business Administration – Colorado State University (1991)
- Master of Education: Education and Human Resource Studies – Colorado State University (1998)
- Colorado Teaching License: Business Education
- Career and Tech Education License: Business and Technology
Instructor Kerry Smith
Contact: 303-344-4910, ext. 27754 or email kesmith@aurorak12.org
Years Teaching: Since 1994
Teaching Background:
Mrs. Smith began her teaching career in physical education at Hinkley before earning her M.Ed. in Educational Technology. She taught in the Hinkley Business and Technology Department for a total of 15 years. She also served as the Athletic and Activities Director for 5 years. In 2017 she began teaching and coordinating in the Executive Internship Program at Pickens. She is excited to help students navigate their options and find the right path to their future.
Years in Industry:
Part-time work in business during summers and college.
Industry Background:
Administrative assistant and bookkeeper for small family business.
Certifications and Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science: Exercise and Sport Science- Colorado State University (1994)
- Master of Education: Educational Technology – Lesley University (1998)
- Colorado Teaching License: Physical Education
- Career and Tech Education License: Business and Technology, Visual and Design Arts
Instructor Jacki Sloan
The best thing about the Executive Internship program is the chance to explore career opportunities, network with professionals and experience the expectations of the world of work. Pickens has a great variety of programs and is a wonderful place for students to find their niche. Additionally, Staff members here at Pickens are very knowledgeable and caring.
Favorite Quote: “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” ~Henry Ford
Contact: 303-344-4910, ext 27982 or email jrsloan@aurorak12.org
Years Teaching: Since 1987
Years in Industry:
Part-time work in business during summers and college.
Industry Background:
Currently, Mrs. Sloan works part-time as a Google Trainer. She has lots of experience working part-time as an Administrative Assistant and as a Receptionist during summers and college. Mrs. Sloan is very glad for this experience because she gets to be a learner, in addition to being a teacher. The first hand knowledge of skills that her students need to learn is very valuable.
Teaching Background:
Mrs. Sloan taught Business & Technology courses for 20 years at Pickens Tech, Warren Tech, Aims Community College and La Junta High School. After teaching Business and Technology, Mrs. Sloan served as an Educational Technology Coach with Aurora Public Schools for six years. Mrs. Sloan was very excited to return to Pickens Technical College, in order to teach and coordinate in the Executive Internship Program. She is passionate about helping students explore career opportunities and pursue personalized learning plans.
Certifications and Degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration and Business Teacher Education – University of Northern Colorado (1987)
- Google Certified Educator – Levels I and II
- Google Certified Trainer
- Master Teacher for Intel and Microsoft
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Colorado Teaching License: Business Education and Instructional Technology
- Career Tech Education (CTE) License: Business and Technology
