Aliece Alessandra, a member of Gateway's Class of 2017, has been interning with Salesforce for three months now and, according to Aliece, has been "absolutely LOVING every second of it!"
Aliece was placed at an internship with Salesforce thanks to Gateway's ongoing partnership with Genesys Works. By providing job skills training, meaningful internships, college and career coaching, and support for alumni, Genesys Works changes the life trajectory of disadvantaged high school students. Their ultimate goal is to move more students out of poverty and into professional careers, creating a more productive and diverse workforce in the process.
"My involvement with Genesys Works has been a great experience overall. Everyone has been supportive and understands that school always comes first," said Aliece. "Genesys Works is currently helping me with my college application process and I'm thankful for the one-on-one support they provide. Genesys really has become family to me."
One of the most important things Aliece has learned from her experience with Genesys Works is how to act professionally. "A lot of people think acting professionally is just being well dressed and serious, but it's much more than that. It's your body language, attitude when you walk into work, relationship with your co-workers, and ability to take constructive criticism," said Aliece.
Aliece is extremely proud of how far she's come since she first started working with Genesys Works. "Before my time with Genesys, I wasn't work oriented, and I wasn't passionate about improving myself. I'm now asking tough questions, getting the help I need, and even assisting others who may need help," said Aliece. "I'm so proud of how far I've come and I'm proud to say that I work at Salesforce."
Aliece plans to study Psychology in college next year.