In 2024, when a senior told the MASA Interns team he wanted experience in aerospace finance, there wasn’t an existing connection through Milken in that field. Instead, Ms. Chloe Sabbah ’17, the Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Career Enhancement, began calling companies across the Valley until she secured him a placement
“That student ended up with an incredible opportunity,” Alumni Relations Manager Mr. Sammy Lawrence ’14 said. “Each group of students has different needs, and we try to provide the support that will genuinely help them succeed.”
That kind of behind the scenes work is at the center of Milken’s MASA Interns program, which prepares seniors for professional life by pairing them with real world internships. This year, more than 35 seniors are participating, with students exploring fields ranging from law and tech to medicine, business and nonprofit work.
Before students begin their internships, they work through several weeks of training on resume writing, mock interviews, workplace communication, and professional expectations. Mr. Lawrence said the team constantly updates the training based on student feedback.
“Last year, we realized we hadn’t done enough interview prep,” Lawrence said. “So this year, we adjusted. We want students to walk into their internships confident and ready.”
Much of the program’s work happens quietly, answering individual student questions, helping them troubleshoot workplace challenges, or tracking down a niche opportunity for someone with a very specific interest. Students who need more personalized support receive one-on-one help from Mr. Lawrence, Ms. Sabbah, or Mr. Mankuta.
Senior Nathan Tabibian (‘26) said the program has already given him skills he expects to use long after high school.
“I’ve really enjoyed MASA Interns because it’s giving me the chance to explore a field I’m interested in and learn real career skills, like how to create a resume or network,” Tabibian said.
He added that the program’s guest speakers have been especially valuable.
“I learned a lot from our last guest speaker, Josh Kadden, who taught us the importance of sales and networking,” he said.
Students are required to complete at least 40 hours in their internship, but the goal isn’t to lock them into a career path. Often, the opposite happens.
“Some students discover new passions,” Mr. Lawrence said. “Others realize a field isn’t for them, and that’s a success too.”
What matters most, he says, is that students get to test themselves in the real world long before college.
“This program isn’t just about checking a box,” Mr. Lawrence said. “It’s about helping students take ownership of their future and realizing their potential extends far beyond the walls of a classroom.”