After a two-year hiatus, Launch Fishers brought back their Launch Fishers High School Fellowship this summer with the purpose to develop future entrepreneurs and business leaders. The internship is available for Hamilton Southeastern High School and Fishers High School students who want to learn more about entrepreneurship and gain real-world experience through Launch Fishers’ three-day bootcamp, where students sharpen their professional skills, and the 8-week internship with the student’s host company.
Over the new few months, we’ll highlight some of the students and host companies who participated in this year’s program. Stay tuned to learn more about the impact of this unique program and some of our city’s up-and-coming community innovators!
Host Company: Fishers Parks
Supervisor: Andrew Myers, Operations Manager
What inspired you to get involved with the program?
Fishers Parks was interested in the Launch Fishers Fellowship program originally because of our great relationship with Launch Fishers, and the opportunity to have highly qualified students on our team during the summer. After several years of success with the program, it was a no brainer to sign up again in 2022.
Tell us about the projects that the fellow worked on with your company. How did they impact your business?
Our fellow was involved in a large variety of projects, from assisting with Summer Camp field trips, to working large events such as summer concerts, Monsoon Madness, and farmers markets, to helping at our reception desk for the Parks department and Maker Playground. They had a positive impact on our business because they were able to hit the ground running and be flexible from the start, were always willing to pitch in regardless of the task and provided a fresh perspective on several events that we have seen week after week, year after year, but they were seeing for the first time.
What’s one piece of advice you would give students looking to pursue a career in your field?
Be willing to be flexible and change direction quickly when things change or don’t go exactly as planned, especially at large special events. Be ready to get your hands dirty and pitch in. Expect to have some fun while you are at it!
Why is this program important for the community?
The Launch Fishers Fellowship program is important for the community because it gives students a chance to match with internships in areas of their interest and discover if that field is right for them at an early age. It shows them different types of opportunities that are available in their own city and connects them with people in their field of interest, allowing them to build professional relationships early and encouraging them to pursue a career that they are interested. And all of this happens right in their own backyard.
Fellow: Madison Eberle
What inspired you to join the program?
Two years ago, my brother went through the Launch Fishers Fellowship Program, so I found out about it from him. I was already looking for a summer job so I could learn new things and stay busy during the summer.
What was your favorite part of the summer fellowship?
My favorite part about the internship was learning new things, meeting new people, and making connections.
How do you think the program will launch your future career?
This internship has helped me with my future career in so many ways, such as giving me overall work experience and learning what it takes for a business to work and operate smoothly. I learned how to manage, plan, and work events such as the free concerts at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Monsoon Madness, Spark!Fishers, and more. I was able to gain experience in marketing, time management, and building my leadership skills as well by working at events with volunteers and when I was a camp counselor for Cumberland Road Elementary summer camp.
What’s one piece of advice you would give future Launch Fishers fellows?
Truly be yourself, work hard, and to not be afraid to ask for help. It is better to ask for help rather than giving up.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am not quite sure what my future career will be just yet. One thing I do know is that whatever I end up doing, the experience I got from this internship will benefit my career.
Stephanie Perry is the Assistant Director of Public Relations of the City of Fishers. Born and raised in Fishers, Stephanie graduated from HSE in 2006 and is now raising her kids in her childhood home in West Fishers, which she purchased from her parents when they moved. She loves supporting the local small business community, running on Fishers’ trails, and spending time at Conner Prairie with her family (Headless Horsemen and A Merry Prairie Holiday are family favorites!). Stephanie and her husband enjoy getting outdoors and spending time camping, hiking, and boating. Stephanie has enjoyed watching her city grow over the past few decades and loves the assets and amenities that the community provides, from the parks and special events to the array of restaurants and shops.