Erik Chalhoub here, living proof of the importance of internships. As a Cabrillo College student in 2011, I landed my first internship at the Register-Pajaronian newspaper in Watsonville at $10 an hour. It wasn’t glorious, but the experience I gained was invaluable and something I continue to draw on today.
Perhaps most importantly, it led to a full-time job at the newspaper, and 13 years later, here I am at the Weekly.
Which is why I was thrilled to read Staff Writer Pam Marino’s article in this week’s edition of the Weekly, highlighting the paid internship program through the Drummond Culinary Academy at Rancho Cielo.
The culinary arts academy gives students ages 16 to 24 instruction and real-world experience in the hospitality and culinary industries. Some graduates of the academy can then move on to the internship program, where they are paired with restaurants around Monterey County, such as Sardine Factory and The Club at Pasadera.
At the end of the eight-week internship, they are given a job offer, which goes to show that getting your foot in the door is key to starting a career.
I encourage you to read Marino’s article to learn more about the program and how it’s making an impact on these young people’s lives. Perhaps the next time you eat out in Monterey County, your meal will be cooked by one of these up-and-coming chefs.
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