Feliciana, a rising junior at TAF@Saghalie in Federal Way, WA, was recently faced with a huge decision regarding her upcoming summer plans. Within the last few months of school, she was offered a total of four summer internships and received two additional opportunities to participate in industry immersion experiences. 

Two months ago, Zillow Group provided mock interviews to TAF@Saghalie students to help prepare them for future job and internship opportunities and ease nerves around the interview process. Feliciana used her mock interviews to fine-tune her responses and build confidence in speaking to professionals. As a result, she was able to land four internships. Faced with multiple internships, Feliciana had to consider the benefits of each, and figure out which opportunity best aligned with her goals for the future.

Feliciana received internship offers from the Port of Seattle, Seattle radio station KUOW, Advancing Leadership Youth Program, and Zillow Group’s Internship Day experience. Microsoft was also among the submitted internship applications. Although she wasn’t accepted, Microsoft encouraged her to complete their summer workshops. By doing so,  she will greatly improve her chances of being accepted next summer.

Ultimately, Feliciana accepted the Port of Seattle paid internship offer, stating that the job responsibilities most closely aligned with the career she intends to pursue post-graduation. She will join five other TAF@Saghalie students at the Port, which will be a record number of students to participate from one school. 

Additionally, Feliciana will enter the eight-month-long Advancing Leadership Youth Program in August. Working with government, business, and community organizations around the City of Federal Way, the program aims to develop leadership skills among high school sophomores and juniors to inspire the next generation of changemakers!

In the future, Feliciana hopes to become a software engineer and hopefully, work for Microsoft. With two years left of high school, she is well on her way to making her dreams a reality.