Industry City touts successful internship program

Interning opportunities for young Sunset Park residents have expanded at Industry City.

The six-million-square-foot innovation and manufacturing hub announced a successful summer internship program designed to give Sunset Park youth hands-on experience in the innovation economy.

Industry City states that over 50 interns have been placed with over 20 of its tenants, with most of the applicants being residents of Sunset.

The interns came through several organizations, such as the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program, Ladders for Leaders, the Red Hook Initiative, the Center for Family Life and Turning Point Brooklyn.

Participants have found the program to be a beneficial one. “I’m getting better at communications and public speaking,” said intern Jonathan Aguilar.  “These are important skills for any job.”

“Industry City’s network of workforce development partners gave me a chance to work for and learn from one of the biggest media companies in the world at a time when the company is rapidly innovating,” said Matthew Soto, a Sunset Park resident currently interning with Time, Inc. “Having a way in, a door to this opportunity, is something I never thought I’d find in my own backyard.”

“The chance to work in an industrial complex under the guidance and support of professionals is so valuable. This is an unmatched opportunity to help me build my resume and network,” said Sherell Farmer, a Bed-Stuy resident currently interning for Industry City’s Community Outreach Team.

According to Industry City CEO Andrew Kimball, the goal is to create a pipeline for youth in Sunset Park to the career and entrepreneurship opportunities at the waterfront property. “This program is an investment in both the next generation of Sunset Parkers and in our tenants, who will be better positioned to cultivate a talent pipeline that supports their business needs,” he said.

The internship opportunities are diverse and include companies ranging from fashion and food to media and technology including Time Inc., Fodera Guitars, BaubleBar and Li-Lac Chocolates.

Companies have also benefited for the hard working local interns.  “This is a great way to expose young people to new fields of potential interest as well as help companies, such as ours, identify potential employees,” said Janelle Funari, CEO of Funari Fashion, a garment manufacturer and fashion industry consultant based at Industry City.

“Every day, I utilize skills I first acquired during my internship,” said Lily Zheng, a former intern for an Industry City tenant, FilmRise, who was hired for a full-time position earlier this year. “Now even more people can seize the same opportunity I had and have access to all of the incredible companies and jobs at Industry City.”