For many high school students, the question of “What do I want to do with my life?” is a daunting one. At Centralia High School, students don’t have to wait until college or the workforce to find out. Through the school’s internship program, they gain real-world experience, discovering both what they love—and, just as importantly, what they don’t.

The program, led by CHS business teacher Nikki Burmester, provides seniors with the opportunity to intern with local businesses and organizations. Whether shadowing a police officer, working in physical therapy, or designing blueprints for engineering firms, CHS interns get a firsthand look at the careers they may pursue.

“I actually did this internship program when I was in high school,” Burmester said. “It helped me decide between graphic design and teaching—and ultimately, it led me to education. Now, I get to help students figure out their own paths.”

Now in her fourth year as the program’s sponsor, Burmester has expanded internship opportunities across various fields, including law enforcement, healthcare, business, engineering, and education.

“For the most part, the community really embraces it,” Burmester said.

“They get to know our students in a deeper way, and in many cases, these internships lead to future job offers.”

An Inside Look at the Workforce

For senior Mariah Winegarner, the program has provided her with an up-close view of law enforcement. She interns at the Centralia Police Department, riding along with officers, observing in dispatch, and learning how different situations unfold in real-time.

“I’ve seen parts that I think are great, and parts where I think, ‘I don’t know if this is for me,’” Mariah said. “But that’s the point—it’s helping me figure out which direction I want to go.”

Mariah plans to continue studying criminal justice at Kaskaskia College before transferring to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) to further her education. While she hasn’t settled on a specific career path within the field, the internship has provided valuable clarity.

“My brother, Brett Winegarner, is the Clinton County Sheriff. He’s always talked to me about the job, and that’s what got me interested,” she said. “Now I’m getting an inside look for myself.”

Across town at EFI Solutions, senior Sam Lund is interning in the field of mechanical engineering. He spends his time working with AutoCAD, an engineering software used for designing water distribution facilities.

“I help design plates for water towers, distribution stations, and filtration plants,” Sam explained. “I create the drawings, send them to my supervisor for approval, and once finalized, they go to the shop for manufacturing.”

For Sam, the experience has reinforced his decision to pursue mechanical engineering at SIUE.

“I like the hands-on work,” he said. “I prefer seeing something get built in real-time rather than working on projects that take years to complete.”

A Program with Real Impact

The CHS internship program has one primary goal: to give students real-world exposure before they invest years—and tuition—into a career path.

“For some, it confirms that they’re on the right path,” Burmester said. “For others, it helps them realize they don’t want to go into a particular field—which is just as valuable.”

Some students transition straight into jobs through the program.

“Xavier Koch, for example, started his internship at an insurance agency,” Burmester said. “They were so impressed with him that they hired him.”

Not all internships are paid, though some businesses offer compensation based on their needs and budget.

“Students enter the program expecting an unpaid internship,” Burmester explained. “But some businesses choose to pay interns, and in many cases, it leads to full-time job opportunities after graduation.”

The selection process for the program is thorough. Applicants must meet a 3.0 GPA minimum, have reliable transportation, and maintain good attendance and discipline records—all of which signal to employers that they are serious and responsible.

“There’s an application and interview process,” Burmester said. “We want to make sure students represent the school and community well.”

Beyond the Classroom: Building Confidence and Character

Both Mariah and Sam have found value beyond career preparation in their internships.

Sam, who is also involved in football, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, says the experience has reinforced his belief in working toward something bigger than himself.

“Football taught me leadership and teamwork,” he said. “The internship has shown me how those skills apply in the professional world.”

Mariah appreciates the networking opportunities she’s gained.

“I’ve been able to meet people in law enforcement and see firsthand how they handle situations,” she said. “It’s not just about the internship itself—it’s about the connections you build.”

Both students agree that Centralia’s sense of community has played a major role in their success.

“I moved here six years ago from a bigger town,” Sam said. “The biggest difference I see is how connected everyone is here. There’s a real sense of support and belonging.”

Mariah, who has lived in Centralia her entire life, agrees.

“We come together as a community,” she said. “Whether it’s through volunteering, school programs, or local projects, we support each other.”

A Lasting Impact

As Burmester reflects on her role, she takes pride in seeing former students thrive beyond high school.

“It’s incredibly rewarding,” she said. “You don’t always see the impact right away, but years later, when you see students doing big things, you realize you played a small part in helping them get there.”

With growing interest in the program and more local businesses eager to participate, the CHS internship program continues to expand, giving students invaluable experience before they step into the next chapter of their lives.

“I have 19 applications already for next year,” Burmester said. “The demand is high because students see the value—it’s hands-on learning that prepares them for whatever comes next.”

And for students like Mariah and Sam, what comes next is exciting—because they’ve already had a head start.