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Are you considering a career working with animals?

Yadira Perez, a senior at Wheeling High School, was in the same position.

After discussing career options with her high school counselor, she was introduced to the District 214 Center for Career Discovery, which engages with more than 1,000 industry partners to provide a full continuum of workplace learning and career exploration opportunities.

After filing an application and meeting with an internship coach, the center matched her with our Waggles Pet Resort team for a 30-hour micro-internship.

Yadira’s experience and commitment made her a natural for an invaluable, one-of-a-kind, and hands-on experience here at Waggles.

As part of the team, she performed pet wellness checks, prepared meals, changed water, and even administered medicine, all while learning more about our animal guests’ behavior.

Waggles Pet Resort owner Ross Neihaus had previously hired an intern as a part-time staff member, proving that internship opportunities can eventually land you a steady and fulfilling job.

The Center for Career Discovery organizes traditional internships (60-hour) and micro-internships (30-hour) within District 214 or local partners. While unpaid, internships offer school credit. More importantly, they provide participants with an invaluable head start in their chosen career, while introducing them to professionals that they may work with in the future.

Today, Yadira looks forward to pursuing a career with animals in her parents’ home of Mexico, where she hopes to work in a shelter – or as a veterinarian – giving back to her community and educating the public about the value of domesticated pets.

For more information about internships, visit apply214.org.