The purpose of this manual is to give more information on our internship program as well as our online mentoring and networking platform, Windward at Work.
The internship section will clarify the requirements of the internship and responsibilities of the parties who are involved. The internship is a three-way partnership with the students/alumni who are interning, the employers providing the internship opportunities and the Director of Windward Network.
The Windward at Work section will discuss the platform in further detail, how to register, as well as address the benefits that all registered users will enjoy.
INTERNSHIPS
Shira wrapped up a couple weeks ago, she’s so bright and mature. She knows how to connect the dots and can figure out the details without needing much guidance, it’s impressive… I wouldn’t be surprised if she is a COO or CEO of a company one day.
Yesterday was Judah’s last day; he’s taking his real estate exam in a couple weeks and very much considering continuing with my team while he’s in school. He’s a natural, and the growth I saw in him this Summer was incredible. He found his calling early, and I think he has a very bright future in this business if he chooses to pursue it.
David Yadegaran ’02, Carolwood Real Estate
TESTIMONIALS
I’m wrapping up my final day of my Windward Network New Regency Internship and just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to work here. It was truly an incredible experience – I read countless scripts and wrote lots of coverage on them, completed projects for my bosses, and even got to pitch some ideas of my own. I also got the chance to sit down and talk with some of the higher-level executives in the company and ask questions about how they got to where they are, which was absolutely amazing. Overall, it really made my Summer great and gave me a taste of what actually working in the Hollywood industry is like. And it wouldn’t have been possible without you and Windward, so thank you again!”
Noah Goldsmith ’23
OVERVIEW
Internships offered through the Windward Network provide meaningful Summer experiences for current students (rising Juniors and Seniors) and college-age alumni in a variety of different fields beyond the classroom. Participants have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into their industries of interest, develop skills, cultivate professional connections, and strengthen their resumes, all while receiving academic credit.
Any currently enrolled student who completes an internship organized through the Windward Network will receive course credit documented on their transcript. This course credit will be graded as Pass/Fail and in the amount of 0.5 credits, and will be awarded for the semester preceding the internship. For college-age students, they are responsible for coordinating course credit through their respective university. Students who coordinate their internships outside of the Windward Network are also eligible to receive course credit. Please contact the Director of Windward Network for more details.
Prior to the beginning of the internship, I will work with interns and mentors to make sure that all necessary paperwork is completed.
IMPORTANT DATES
Internship descriptions and applications available on our website JANUARY 2025
Internship applications due on a specific date and time to be determined FEBRUARY 2025
Internship decisions published MARCH 2025
Internships begin JUNE 2025
- Summer internship completion
- Internship reflection due AUGUST 2025
Site Visits/Student Midpoint Check-in JUNE - AUGUST 2025
TESTIMONIALS
I would recommend participating in an internship through the Windward Network because it’s such a rare amazing opportunity to get hands-on, first-hand experience while in high school. It helps us begin our own networking processing, while gaining insight into potential future fields.
Isabelle Vanderkloot ‘25
INTERNSHIP APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT PROCESS
PREREQUISITES
Students and alumni applying for an internship through the Windward Network must be rising Juniors/Seniors or be part of our college-age alumni community. Some internships have specific age requirements, which are noted in their description.
APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS
Internship descriptions will become live on our website in January. An email will go out to students once the descriptions and applications are available.
Students and alumni will have to submit an application for each internship they are applying for. Students may apply for up to three internships.
Applications are due in February. Applicants are encouraged to give themselves plenty of time to complete and submit applications to avoid any technical difficulties. Applicants should keep a copy of responses submitted as well.
Internships with firm dates that cannot be modified will be stated where applicable. One should not apply for an internship if they know they will be out of town or have other obligations.
APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS
After the deadline, mentors will have time to review applications. Some mentors will conduct Zoom and/or in-person interviews. If an applicant is selected for an interview, the Director of Windward Network will be in contact to help coordinate specifics.
Most internship decisions will be made by Spring Break. If internship hosts are unable to make a decision by then, the Director of Windward Network will be in touch with applicants to let them know.
INTERNSHIP ONBOARDING
Students and alumni selected for internships will have to complete paperwork prior to their start date, which include a Liability Waiver and a Code of Conduct. The Director of Windward Network will work with interns and mentors to make sure that they have everything necessary to ensure a successful Summer!
INTERNSHIP SITE VISITS
The Director of Windward Network will be visiting interns and mentors throughout the course of the Summer to check in, and often will be accompanied by someone from Communications to take pictures. We also encourage interns and mentors to reach out to us with any questions/concerns throughout the summer.
INTERNSHIP REFLECTIONS
At the end of the internship, all students and alumni are required to submit a written reflection of their experience in order to receive course credit on their transcript.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
APPLYING
Q: How many internships can I apply for?
A: You can apply for up to 3 internships, but you must fill out a separate application for each one.
Q: When are applications due?
A: Applications are due at a determined date and time that will be communicated when internship descriptions are released.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Applications will be available on the Windward website, and you will also receive an email. If you have any questions, please contact Robin Pickett.
Q: What if I hear that my friends are being interviewed, but I haven’t been contacted?
A: Not all internships will require an interview. We encourage all internship mentors to interview candidates, but sometimes this is not possible.
INTERVIEWING
Q: If I get an interview, does that mean that I got the job/ internship?
A: No. Landing an interview moves you a step closer towards getting your desired position, but it does not secure the position. The interview allows you and the organization to assess whether you are a good fit or not.
Q: How can I prepare for the interview?
A: Research the company online, and prepare questions to ask. Practice interviewing with friends and family. Schedule a mock interview with Robin Pickett, Director of Windward Network. Pay attention to your body language, especially fidgeting hands and eye contact.
Q: What should I wear to the interview?
A: If your interview is in person, being overdressed is always better than being underdressed. Business formal is appropriate for most interviews, but if you are not sure, call the company and ask. (ex. Hello, I have an interview scheduled with Ms. Susan Jones on April 11th for the Social Media Intern position. May I know the suggested attire?)
Q: What do I bring to the interview?
A: Bring copies of your resume and references sheet, a plain notepad, a pen/pencil, and a list of questions to ask your interviewer. Do not have your phone out during the interview.
Q: When is an appropriate time to arrive to the interview?
A: Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. If you are running late, call and inform the interviewer. (ex. Hello, this message is for Ms. Susan Jones. I have an interview scheduled with her today at 1:00 pm and wanted to call and let her know that I will be 10 minutes late. I hope that is okay and if not, I am happy to reschedule at her convenience.)
Q: What do I do after the interview?
A: Send the interviewer a thank you message within 24 hours. This can be via email or you can bring a thank you card to the interview and write one to leave with the front desk before you leave. Hand written thank you notes are a special touch and leave a good impression!
Q: How important is responding to emails?
A: It is very important! It is absolutely imperative that you respond to emails regarding internships/jobs within 24 hours. Otherwise, it is easy to assume you are no longer interested.
WINDWARD AT WORK
TOTAL MEMBERS STUDENTS & ALUMNI PARENTS/ NON-ALUMNI MEMBERS
Windward at Work, our online hub of the Windward Network, now has over 900 users! Through Windward at Work, students and alumni are able to seek guidance from community members who have signed up to help assist in areas ranging from building a compelling resume and preparing for interviews to making introductions within their network and searching for jobs.
We are always looking for people interested in joining our amazing group of mentors, as there are Windward students and alumni who could benefit immensely from your life experiences—academic, professional and personal—no matter where you live! Sign up today at windward.peoplegrove.com.
HOW IT WORKS
Alumni, parents, and other members of the Windward community create profiles highlighting their professional experience, education, and general interests. They also choose how much time they can devote to connecting with students and specify the best ways to get in touch.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
1. Go to windward.peoplegrove.com
2. Sign in using your LinkedIn account or valid email address
3. Complete your profile. You can import information from your LinkedIn profile to make things easier, and answer a few other questions to help with matching that we’ll ask you to add to your profile.
4. Start exploring the platform!
Students and alumni on the platform search
Windward at Work for mentors/other community members who can help them answer a particular question or reach a particular goal, including:
• Networking
• Informational interviews
• Navigating a career path
• Job search strategies
• Resume/CV feedback
• Career and industry trends
• College experience
WHY JOIN WINDWARD AT WORK?
For students and alumni, it’s a way to find guidance on topics large and small within the Windward community. For alumni, parents, and other community members, Windward at Work provides the positives of being a mentor—sharing knowledge, giving back, connecting with students and alumni—in a targeted way and with flexible commitments of time and energy.
