Joshua LeClerg, senior at Chapin High School, didn’t want summer to end—not because of time on the lake with friends and family—but because of his work at Core Technology Solutions. Josh was selected in the spring for a paid internship program offered to Chapin area juniors and seniors by CTS.
“It’s been the highlight of my summer,” he remarked in a recent interview. The 17-year-old student began his search early last spring and spoke with a number of companies doing the kind of work that matched his skills and his goals for the future.
“Josh approached me about a summer internship very seriously,” said Vivian Ford, president of Core Technology Solutions. “He created a resume, prepared for his interview, dressed in business attire, and spoke intelligently about his skills and experience. He even put up a LinkedIn profile.”
Throughout the summer, Josh tackled research projects vital to the company’s success. Working three days each week, he conducted queries on current and potential client companies, managers, and IT staff, as well as scouring LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed and other databases for IT professionals who would be good candidates for specific jobs in the IT sector.
“I can’t say enough about how Josh approached each project with a professional attitude. He took his job seriously and exceeded my expectations,” said Mrs. Ford. Josh will finish high school next May and has already mapped out his education and career goals.
“I’m looking at going on to major in Spanish and become certified as a translator in Spanish,” Josh explained, “and then to learn a couple of other languages. After college, I want to go to law school. My goal is to work in international law.” Josh was also able to secure a concurrent summer internship at Harrell and Martin, a local law firm in Chapin.
“My parents always taught me to defend the rights of others. That could mean individuals or companies working abroad. As a Christian, that could mean defending the rights of other Christians who need help in a foreign country,” he said.
Josh explained that while Core Technology Solutions focuses on IT staffing, he is gaining much needed experience in research, writing, project management, and working in a typical office environment. This kind of opportunity, he said, will prepare him for college, law school, and his eventual career.
“If I had the space, I could use a dozen young people like Joshua,” said Mrs. Ford. “He tackled his work with attention to detail, respect for co-workers, and integrity in completing each assignment. I know he will go on to do great things in his life and career.”
Core Technology Solutions is all about “relationships”—with businesses, schools, and communities. Mrs. Ford serves each month as a business partner in Lexington-Richland District 5 at Spring Hill High School, teaming up with other community leaders to foster educational opportunities for students that will impact their careers and our community for generations to come.