Through the Summer Youth Employment initiative, Harvard observes ‘a framework for opportunity’

In a few months, Harvard will greet a new group of teens from Boston and Cambridge to undertake paid roles across the University as part of the Summer Youth Employment initiative (SYEP).

For over 25 years, this program has offered essential employment and career development opportunities for numerous local youths — more than 600 since its initiation.

It is one among several career pathway initiatives supported by the University, whose advantages extend beyond job training for individual participants, clarified Vice President for Human Resources Manuel Cuevas-Trisán. “We term them pathway programs as they establish a framework for opportunity.”

The University’s career pathway programs involve a diverse array of participants. This includes pre-career internships via SYEP; collaboration with Year Up United (Year Up) for underserved individuals aged 18 to 29; internships and cooperative programs for college students; mid-career initiatives such as Apprenti, which delivers formal on-the-job training for a variety of technical positions; and SkillBridge, a collaboration aimed at transitioning military veterans into the civilian job market.

Studies indicate that just over 50 percent of college graduates join the workforce underemployed, and many remain in the same situation a decade later, which can significantly affect economic growth both locally and nationally. Internship and apprenticeship opportunities are recognized methods to counteract that trend.

“These initiatives not only directly benefit Harvard as an employer by providing workforce capacity we may require at any given time, but they also contribute to the economy in a much broader context,” stated Cuevas-Trisán. “Harvard supports students, staff, and faculty through our fundamental mission of teaching, learning, and research, while also being a principal employer in the city of Cambridge and Greater Boston. Economic growth relies on workforce productivity and expansion, so these initiatives are directly linked to our region’s economic development.

“Ultimately, it’s about fulfilling a workforce requirement while simultaneously creating a social and individual impact. Through these efforts, we equip participants with tools for career achievement. Some of them find their way back here, while others pursue paths elsewhere, but their journey through Harvard has been transformative, and that’s where the intrigue and genuine magic reside,” Cuevas-Trisán remarked.

The wide range of workforce skills necessary to ensure the efficient operation of large universities makes them particularly suited to facilitate pathway programs like those at Harvard. “We encompass scholars, labs, infrastructure, hospitality, and development in a scale and spectrum akin to a city or municipality,” he added.

Jenitha Fingfing benefited from this career opportunity spectrum as a Year Up intern last year. Fingfing accepted a position at the Harvard Visitor Center located in the Smith Center. At first glance, the role seemed disconnected from the data analytics she had learned during her six-month Year Up training.

“I almost skipped the internship because I believed I wanted to focus on data analytics, but I relied on the process and started last January,” she recounted. “On my very first day, I experienced intense imposter syndrome. However, in time, I began to adapt and felt that I truly belong here.”

“I’ve absorbed so much about Harvard culture. I say I’m receiving a Harvard education by working here.”

Jenitha Fingfing, Visitor Center staff

Fingfing has since been promoted to a staff member at the Visitor Center while she pursues her bachelor’s degree in business and management.

“I feel that arriving here was precisely what I needed to advance. Had I not taken the internship, or attempted to remain within data analytics, things might not have turned out so favorably. So, it genuinely feels as though everything occurred exactly as it was meant to,” Fingfing shared. “There are always countless opportunities to explore. I aim to open as many doors as I can while I’m here and absorb as much knowledge as possible. I am incredibly thankful to be here, and I feel very well-prepared for whatever my next role may be.”

To guarantee success and support Harvard departments that employ interns, programs receive ongoing training and support from Harvard Human Resources and various other organizations.

“Much of our work involves setting context for young individuals. Even if they may be assigned minor tasks, like making photocopies or organizing data, these can be crucial for the institution’s effective functioning. They gain a clearer understanding of what a workplace ecosystem looks like and how we can collaboratively ensure that everyone can perform their roles efficiently,” said Jean Dao, who oversees Harvard’s public school partnership programs with local high schools and conducts weekly career readiness workshops for SYEP participants.

Nonetheless, Fingfing is quick to emphasize that the experience of simply being employed in an environment like Harvard offers a tremendous wealth of learning opportunities. “Many people may not recognize that numerous mentorship experiences occur simply by being in this environment, listening to conversations, and being cc’d on emails. I’ve gained extensive insights about Harvard culture, the Visitor Center, student life, and just about everything. Truly, I say I’m gaining a Harvard education through my work here.”

For further details on the career pathway initiatives at Harvard, you can find more information here: Summer Youth Employment Program | Harvard Human Resources; DOD SkillBridge Program | Harvard Human Resources; https://hr.harvard.edu/year-up-united. Departments wishing to hire an intern can request additional information via the pathway programs interest form.