Reaching for the Stars: Dallas College Hires Interns With All Stars Project

July 21, 2026

As we celebrate National Intern Day on July 30, we’re highlighting the next generation of professionals and the impact that meaningful workplace experiences can have on their futures. As part of Dallas College's commitment to strengthening the North Texas workforce pipeline, we are proud to support programs like Dallas Works, powered by All Stars Project Inc., that connect students with hands-on career opportunities.

This summer, two high school students brought their talents, curiosity and creativity to internships with Dallas College’s Communications Department, gaining real-world experience. Read about Deethya Pattoor and Aajman Chowdhury, as they share their experiences and reflect on the lessons that have helped shape their career aspirations.

Deethya Pattoor

Dallas College continuously demonstrates its commitment to breaking down barriers to education and career development. One example of this commitment is its decision to hire 25 interns through the Dallas Works and All Stars Project, many of whom are still in high school and may have little to no prior work experience. In today's highly competitive job market, where even experienced professionals can struggle to find employment, Dallas College chose to invest in students and provide them with meaningful opportunities for growth.   

As one of the interns at Dallas College, this has been unlike any opportunity I have had before. It has allowed me to experience a professional work environment firsthand and see how different teams collaborate to achieve shared goals. One of the most valuable skills I have gained is time management. Much of my day requires me to organize my own schedule, determine priorities, and complete assignments independently. Through this process, I have learned more about my work style, what helps me stay productive, and how to manage my responsibilities effectively.   

Beyond professional skills, I have learned important life lessons from the people around me.  

During our introduction meeting with the Communications team, each team member shared their educational and career journey, and listening to them was incredibly eye-opening. Their stories reminded me that success does not always happen according to plan and that sometimes the journey to finding your passion takes time. Hearing about the different experiences, challenges, and opportunities encouraged me to trust the process, remain open to new experiences, and continue pursuing the things that genuinely interest me.   

One lesson I will take away from this internship is the idea that a job is largely what you make of it, and the same can be said for many aspects of life. Growth comes from taking initiative, asking questions, and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone. As a rising high school senior, college is approaching quickly, and this experience introduced me to many different career paths while also helping me better understand what brings me fulfillment. This internship has also shown me the value of building connections and developing a professional network. The relationships I have formed, and the workplace experience I have gained will benefit me as I continue my education and prepare for my future career.   

What I have enjoyed most about working at Dallas College is the people. Entering a professional environment as a student felt intimidating at first, but every staff member I have met has been welcoming, supportive and willing to answer questions. Their encouragement has helped me grow in confidence and feel comfortable contributing to a workplace setting. From providing a positive work environment to creating thoughtful weekly reflection assignments, Dallas College has invested not only in our professional development but also in our personal growth. 

Being here has allowed me to see how departments communicate, solve problems and work together toward a common goal. The lessons, skills and relationships I have gained through this experience will stay with me long after the internship ends and will continue to guide me as I pursue further education and future careers. 

Aajman Chowdhury 

Being an intern at Dallas College has shown me how Dallas College prioritizes youth development, even outside the classes. When I was first introduced to the Communications team, I realized that engaging with professionals across the office and contributing to communications gave me a level of confidence and career exposure I never expected to gain. When we first toured the office, I noticed the vast number of departments that operate in the background of Dallas College, and I nearly doubled my number of connections that day!

Personally, this experience allowed me to learn firsthand what working in a professional setting is like. I had the opportunity to learn many new skills I can incorporate into my career development: proper time management with weekly tasks, organization when I juggle between my tabs and calendar, and collaboration with my co-intern, Deethya. 

This internship also opened up new career choices that I never even considered! During my first professional meeting, I remember each attendee opening up about their journey to Dallas College, explaining their past education, previous work experiences and what they did to get in their current position. As many students my age stress over whether their chosen path will lead them to their career goals, hearing this encouraged me to consider new approaches to achieving my own personal goals. 

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