July 23, 2025
By Iran Castillo, CWDC Intern
In celebration of National Internship Day, we would like to share the following blog post from CWDC Intern, Iran Castillo. Iran's story highlights the transformative power of internships, detailing how his experience with the CWDC has opened new doors and equipped him with invaluable skills for his future career. Read on to discover his journey and why he encourages all students to explore internship opportunities.
(L-R): Iran discusses his CWDC internship among a panel of work-based learning professionals at the July 23, 2025, Colorado CACTE Summit.
My future changed the summer between sophomore and junior year in high school. I was working in my class one day when I was called out of my room to meet Juan Palacios, a career and college success navigator. He was the man who introduced me to a whole world of internships. There were so many opportunities it was hard to choose and pick.
At that time, I was in other programs in Abraham Lincoln High school. I was part of the P-Tech program, a program that provides college classes that relate to business, and played for both the football and volleyball teams.
This was my very first time doing an internship, and I didn't know what was going to happen. After choosing the CWDC, I was invited to an interview with CWDC Education Consultant, Sami Mooney. This was also my first interview and I didn't know what they were going to say or what to expect.
After doing the interview, I felt that I did great and was very happy to see my future change before my eyes.
Sami and I were talking back and forth for an unofficial day and time to meet with staff, and tour the office. When I arrived, it felt so upbeat and there were many people who had been in their field or industry for most of their lives. And then there was me, a high schooler who just became a 10th grade student. After finishing for the day, I was excited to learn life skills I could use in the future.
My internship had me practicing skills and understanding the inner workings of the CWDC and team. There were so many people with different roles, and I was eager to learn how they got this job and their career journey.
Before my internship, there were numerous skills I didn’t have. This experience has given me so many valuable skills. For example, data analysis, communication, perseverance, time management, and problem-solving. There are many other skills I have learned, but I cannot always name them.
Working at the CWDC feels nice. They made me feel comfortable, and it felt like I could just focus on my tasks without any worries.
There are so many internship opportunities and this experience helped me expand my choices after high school. This opportunity is leading to a big life experience that will lead me to a successful career. I am absorbing the skills and knowledge from my fellow workers. Prior to this, there were numerous skills I didn’t have. This internship has differently enabled valuable skills.
If you have time, I would apply for an internship and or apprenticeship. This is worth your time and will help you find a career that fits you. Doing any internship is about developing skills, exploring careers, and helping you understand your options if you are undecided on your own career path.