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The Workum Interns: In Their Own Words

Where are They Now?

A survey of 150 alumni going back to the inception of the program in 1988 confirms the program’s success: build strength in Jewish community service agencies by creating opportunity while building community.

Almost 54% of those contacted returned the survey, updating Workum on what they did and what they are doing today! 21% of the past interns are working at a Jewish Agency as a career and 42% are Volunteers outside of their careers. Of the 42% who are Volunteering, a remarkable 71% are Volunteering for a Jewish Agency or Cause! Here are a few quotes from the surveys:

“My Workum intership was perfect for someone interested in a career in journalism. It gave me the opportunity to conduct interviews, write articles and edit. That’s first-hand experience that many college students don’t get until later in their college career. I still remember our visits to the various Jewish agencies. I keep what I learned back then in the back of my mind as I’m covering stories today. Having an understanding of community agencies is important as a member of the Jewish community but it’s equally important as a reporter who’s job is to understand the many facets of the community in which I am working” Deb Silverman, WCPO Cincinnati

“Workum was huge for me. I was going to be a lawyer and took Jewish Studies courses for fun. My internship reversed the whole thing.” Brett Pelechovitz Stern, M.A. Jewish Communal Service and Management

“My internship did involve working with people with disabilities, which I continue to do today” Jennifer Hilb

QUOTES FROM 2010 INTERNS

SARA COYLE (CEDAR VILLAGE): “I learned so much and had many valuable experiences during the past 8 weeks. Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity.”

MICHAEL EVERS (JEWISH FEDERATION/JCRC): “The Workum experience has given me a glimpse into Jewish communal life…Jewish communal work may be a route taken in the future.”

SAMUEL LINDNER (CENTER FOR HOLOCAUST & HUMANITY EDUCATION): “The Workum internship was a great experience. It was an honor to be selected and serve in an agency that helped the Jewish Community.”

SARAH PERLMAN (JCC MARKETING DEPARTMENT): “The most valuable part of the internship was the real-world working experience. I learned a lot by being thrust into the agency and being responsible to figure things out for myself.” SAMANTHA RHEINGOLD (HILLEL): “The Workum internship has made me realize that I would love to work within Cincinnati’s Jewish community because these agencies have such a huge impact on Cincinnati.”

BENJAMIN ROBINSON (AMERICAN JEWISH ARCHIVES): “I saw the many parts of the organization that all come together under the large umbrella of Jewish history. It was eye-opening to see all the avenues that connect our people to the history of the United States and the world.”

SARAH UNGAR (JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE): “Every day was different and exciting. I had a wonderful time performing my assignments and I am proud of the work I have done for JFS.”