SMART Scholars Intern at Global Law Firm, Explore Careers
(Fall 2018) –This past summer, two SMART Scholars jumped into their first internship with Ropes & Gray LLP, a global law firm with offices here in San Francisco. SMART and Ropes & Gray have partnered for several years, with the firm serving as the presenting sponsor at the annual event SMART Goes to College.
This year, Ropes & Gray’s team led by partner, Todd Boes, opened their doors and hired Stephanie Mendez and Jorge Mora-Ibarra for summer internships. “We were pleased to partner with the SMART program in providing career exploration through work experience and exposure to the various opportunities available within a law firm,” says Sue Granelli, Ropes & Gray’s regional office manager.
A rising senior at Gateway High School, Stephanie has been with SMART since 2011, following in the footsteps of her older brother Mauricio, also a SMART alumnus. “My SMART advisor offered me the opportunity at Ropes & Gray, and knowing I was interested in a law career, she helped me apply and get situated,” Stephanie says. She was joined by a fellow rising senior and SMART peer, Jorge, who attends University High School.
The two worked together under the guidance of the Ropes & Gray operations team, handling a variety of tasks that supported the reception, conference services support, and project assistance with both IT and events teams. They spent time engaging with fellow staff and attorneys, hearing more about their individual roles and the work they do at the firm. Stephanie says, “At the end of the five-week internship, I had become much more aware and informed of an office environment and what it takes to be a lawyer.”
Opportunities like these internships not only provide SMART Scholars with valuable work experience, but also make the connections between college choice and career paths. Reflecting on the strengthened relationship between Ropes & Gray and SMART, Todd says, “Education is at the core of driving positive social change. Our investment in SMART helps ensure that our contributions to this valuable program make an enduring impact on both Scholars and their communities.”
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Is your company looking to provide career opportunities for SMART Scholars? Contact Kelly Tong at kellyt@thesmartprogram.org for more information.
