I didn’t start out knowing I wanted a career in business. During my junior year of high school in  2023, I was originally a pre-med major before I transferred schools –a decision that opened a door I didn’t know existed. 

At my new school, High School of Fashion Industries, I enrolled in a CareerWise class that  introduced me to youth apprenticeship. The class walked us through a real application process,  including elevator pitches and interviews. After a challenging virtual group interview, I received  an offer from JPMorganChase, marking the start of a journey that would  change my life. 

The early days included working 16 hours each week and commuting from Manhattan to the Jersey City office. My CareerWise managers, Andrew and Anny, encouraged me to come into the office, which helped me feel included and immersed in professional life. My first manager at JPMorganChase also helped to prepare me for the corporate environment, teaching me how to communicate clearly, take effective meeting notes, and remove unnecessary “fluff” from emails. 

After about a year and a half, I was hesitant to rotate teams, but my manager at JPMorganChase encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. I moved from Asset & Wealth Management to the Corporate Sector, joining the Corporate Third Party Oversight Risk Management team where I took on more hands-on projects, including continuous monitoring of third-party suppliers. That experience gave me a broader view of the business and paved the way for me to have additional experiences to support r my career journey.

One of the most meaningful parts of my experience has been mentorship. One of my original  interviewers later became my mentor, offering guidance I now get to share with other  apprentices. The sense of community has helped to define my experience. 

Today, I’m starting my second semester at Baruch College, approaching the three year mark of my apprenticeship this July and continuing to grow professionally. I also published my book, Greenville: A Collection of Short Stories, all while balancing work and school. Looking ahead, I plan to mentor middle school students and serve as a college assistant as a way to pay it forward. 

CareerWise and JPMorganChase helped me break out of my shell and gain confidence in  professional spaces. Through networking and real-world experience, I gained clarity about my  future and the tools to move forward with purpose. 

Apprenticeship didn’t just give me work experience. It gave me direction, confidence, and a  community that continues to shape who I’m becoming.