Summer Internship Program in Milwaukee Provides Teens Hands-on Healthcare Career Exploration

For 16 local students, this summer offered an opportunity to look beyond the classroom and experience the reality of a career in healthcare.

Now in its second year, the Summer Internship Program at Ascension St. Joseph provides high school juniors through college sophomores with paid work experience, mentorship, and professional development while introducing them to the diverse career opportunities available across the health system.

During the four-week program, students worked 16 hours per week earning $17 an hour while gaining firsthand experience throughout the hospital. They explored both direct patient care and essential behind-the-scenes departments that keep the facility running.

Participants interacted directly with physicians and other care team members, including joining hospitalists on patient rounds. These experiences provided a closer look at how healthcare professionals collaborate to provide compassionate, personalized care.

"I'm grateful for this program because I saw how care team members work together, and I was impressed by the high-quality care they provide to every patient," said Helen Tamburrino, a summer intern at Ascension St. Joseph. "I learned so much and met many wonderful caregivers."

For some participants, the experience reinforced existing career goals. Catherine Tamburrino said that her time at Ascension St. Joseph confirmed her interest in pursuing a career as an OB-GYN.

"This work experience confirmed for me that I am on the right path to becoming an OB-GYN in the future," she said. "Meeting new moms and babies and seeing how well they're cared for here makes me excited to be part of that."

Beyond their hospital work, interns are making an impact in the community. Students developed proposals for community projects and presented their ideas to hospital leadership. The hospital plans to implement these projects in the coming year, allowing students to see their work translate into meaningful local impact.

The experience has also helped students understand that healthcare is about more than clinical skills.

"My biggest takeaway from working at Ascension St. Joseph this summer is how essential compassion and empathy are in patient care," said Arush Vangala. "Seeing it in action was eye-opening; learning how the staff treats patients with kindness and respect and seeing how important that is to the healing process is a lesson I'll take with me."

As Wisconsin continues to face healthcare workforce challenges, programs like the Summer Internship Program are vital for building a strong pipeline of future professionals. By introducing young people to careers they may not have considered and providing meaningful, hands-on experience, Ascension St. Joseph is helping students envision themselves as the future of healthcare in Milwaukee.

"Programs like this one at St. Joe's are essential to address the growing need for healthcare in our community," said Lisa Bosman, nursing director at Ascension St. Joseph. "This helps us connect with students early, build awareness of various healthcare careers, and provide hands-on experience that inspires future professionals."

For the students completing the program, the experience offers more than a summer job. It provides an opportunity to learn, build relationships, explore their intere