Putnam Pilot Internship Program Begins
Marking its third year, the Putnam Invests in Leaders of Tomorrow (P.I.LO.T) Internship Program has returned for the summer of 2016, beginning with orientation at the Donald B. Smith Campus.
“By investing in our high school and college students, we are investing in the future of our county,” says County Executive MaryEllen Odell, “The P.I.LO.T Internship Program provides students with a wonderful opportunity to gain real world experience and make valuable connections within the community.”
The selected high school, undergraduate and graduate interns joined County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Putnam County Personnel Department staff to learn more about the program, review forms and policies, and connect with new and returning interns.
Paul Eldridge, Putnam County Personnel Director says, “The P.I.L.O.T program has developed into a terrific investment in Putnam County’s youth. It is a win-win situation for both the County and the students involved. It seems each year the caliber of students is incredible.”
Popularity of the P.I.L.O.T Program has grown tremendously over the past three years, as demonstrated by the high volume of competitive applicants. Shannon Cooke, a senior at Binghamton University majoring in human resources said, “I wasn’t one hundred percent sure about human resources but so far, interning at the Personnel Department has been a great experience.”
Emily Giordano, an undergraduate student studying civil engineering, was very enthusiastic about her upcoming internship at the Highway Department. “It is such a great opportunity and I am very excited to gain experience,” says Giordano, “My internship at the Highway Department is relevant to my major, so this is a perfect way to explore my potential career path.”
The idea of the Putnam County P.I.L.O.T Program was introduced by Odell in 2013 and continues to be supported by the Putnam County Legislature. In cooperation with the Putnam County Personnel Department, with a special thanks to Adriene Iasoni, coordinator of the P.I.L.O.T Program, selected interns are matched with county departments that align best with their interests and fields of study. Through their internships, interns are able to gain hands-on experience, learn more about how the county government functions, and potentially validate their career paths.
