Senior Lucas Hogue walks out of school right after fifth period. To some, this would seem like a risky undertaking, but he is not skipping class, he is going to his internship.

Students have the option to apply for community internships for their senior year, and if they are chosen, they adjust their schedules so that they can participate in these unique opportunities.

“I leave school every day after fifth period to intern at the VisArts studio in Rockville,” senior Lucas Hogue said. “I design websites and logos for companies and individual clients.”

At CHS, there are several ways to get an internship. Students can find one on their own, or they can talk to CHS internship advisor Robin Moore, who can help find an internship that will work.

“I talked to Mrs. Moore because I’m interested in web design and she helped me find VisArts and apply for an internship there,” Hogue said.

Internships are one way for students to gain experience in a field that they may be interested in studying in college and making their future careers.

“I make connections with people and learn things that I can use in a real job,” Hogue said. “It’s real-world experience that you can’t get in a classroom.”

According to senior Beau Hunsinger, who interns at Suburban Hospital in the Neuroradiology wing four to five times a week, interning has helped him figure out what career he would like to pursue.

“I am interested in medicine and was looking to learn more about the field,” senior Beau Hunsinger said. “It gives me a sense of my intended career.”

While internships are time-consuming, students still manage their schoolwork with their internships and extracurricular activities.

“My sponsor is understanding about schoolwork and knows how to balance how much he asks [me] to do,” said senior Natalie Kleinman, who interns at Bethesda Green, which is a local business that promotes ways for individuals and other businesses to go green.

Although most internees are flexible with the rigor of a high school student’s schedule, it is important to know what it takes to keep up with all the work.

“If you’re going to apply for [an internship], you should be able to balance your work well already and know what you’re [getting into],” Hogue said.

Whether you are interested in medicine, business or volunteer work, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the community to learn something about yourself and the career field of your choice.

“I would absolutely recommend having an internship to other students,” Hunsinger said. “It is a great taste of life after high school.”