Dynamy Internship Year

Dynamy Internship Year

Why choose Dynamy Internship Year?

Dynamy Internship Year is a challenging and engaging gap year for students ages 17-22 who are interested in exploring and discovering career paths through hands-on learning. We understand that students have taken many paths to reach Dynamy, thus bringing a diverse and eclectic outlook to the internship year. Some students have deferred college for the year and others are curious and motivated through experiential learning. Students work with an advisor to select from 100+ different internship opportunities throughout Worcester, MA. In conjunction with their internships and professional mentoring, students benefit from apartment living, college advising and optional college seminars through Clark University.

Dynamy Internship Year creates an environment for students to find their passion, increase their confidence, and establish future goals.

Website
www.dynamy.org
Founded
1969

Reviews

Default avatar
David
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good experience

During my time at Dynamy I have had many new and exciting experiences. I had a blast on the Adventure Challenge. I have loved getting to meet new people and I enjoyed all of the Adventure Challenge Activities.

One of my favorite things about living in the city of Worcester is trying out new places to eat with my friends that I met at Dynamy! Learning to live on my own has brought many challenges but I have really enjoyed it! Overall Dynamy has been a great experience, and I would defiantly recommend taking a gap year!

What was your funniest moment?
The adventure challenge was a lot of fun and there were many funny things said and done on that tr, and I would defiantly recommend taking a gap year!
Default avatar
Nate
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

great experience

My experience with dynamy so far has been useful to say the least. I’d like to go over each aspect of the program, starting with the 10- day adventure challenge we participated in. We spent the first 3 days doing teambuilding games to get to know each other, and spending those nights in cabins. After the first 2 days were up we headed out to a nearby campsite, where we slept in tents for the next 6 days, while having daily activities such as hiking or canoeing, and playing card games in between. Keep in mind that we weren’t allowed to have any technology during the challenge, so we had to actually get to know each other face to face. After we finished the adventure challenge, we moved into our apartments, where we lived with 5 other people, and shared all our spaces. We each had a roommate who we shared a room with, which for some people was a completely new experience. Every internship at the program was chosen individually for the student, and therefore helped everyone gain experience in their desired field of work. Overall a very good experience that I’d recommend to anyone looking for job experience.

What would you improve about this program?
i would like to see more internships at government agencies, since i want to become a detective in the future but got minimal work with the government.
Default avatar
Delaney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

my gap year at Dynamy

Dynamy is exceptional because of the way they handled COVID. Even through COVID they allowed us to have a social life in a safe way and enjoy our time with our peers. They planned fun activities for spring break, and Easter even though we couldn't be with our families. They made me realize Dynamy is a family and the best non-biological family a girl could ask for. They have so many internship opportunities that allow us to explore interests of all kinds and have hands on experiences. I'm forever grateful, thank you Dynamy.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take every opportunity possible and have FUN in every excursion.
Default avatar
Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dynamy Internship Year

I really enjoyed all Dynamy had to offer. I definitely made some close friendships here and bonds with supervisors and staff. Additionally, I worked to improve on a lot of life skills from budgeting to time management to boundary setting/apartment living, etc. This gap year was helpful in many ways and I am very glad I took it before jumping right into college in 2020. I think that staff and support were excellent and also very understanding, while also stern enough. My main concern is the area of Worcester. I did feel concerned for my personal safety a couple of times as some of the people near Chandler Street especially were creepy.

Default avatar
Kamran
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Find yourself at Dynamy

I attended Dynamy after being in college for a couple years and still having no clue what I wanted to do afterwards. My adviser helped me explore various internship opportunities and set up interviews. Both internships were great and have helped me shape a plan for my future. The staff is amazing and as involved as you need them to be; I was able to gain more independence but when a difficult life situation arose, they helped me through it and always had my back. My roommates were all amazing and we still keep in touch. Our apartment was spacious and very nice. There is plenty to explore around Worcester from great restaurants to sporting events and concerts, etc. This is a great program for any young adult looking to explore different fields and/or gain life experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Worcester is an awesome city. The community is very progressive and politically active. There are numerous unique non-profits doing very important work that have internship opportunities.

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Lauren Buffone

Job Title
Coordinator of Student Support
Lauren Buffone started at Dynamy in 2015 as an Internship Year Advisor before moving into her current role as the Coordinator of Student Support. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker who encourages students to make the most of their gap year through experience and reflection!
Lauren Buffone

What makes Dynamy Unique?

Dynamy is unique because you have the opportunity to live independently while working at an internship, with support! Taking the leap into independence and working can be challenging but having support along the way can make for a more meaningful experience.

What is your favorite aspect of the program?

My favorite part of the program is advising! I love sitting down with students one on one and talking about their experiences.

I encourage all students to look analytically at their time at Dynamy and how it can be used in the next chapter.

What is the best success story you've heard from a Dynamy alumni?

Success is measured in so many different ways, it’s really hard to answer! I like hearing from students who are pursuing their dreams, feel motivated and are using the skills they learned at Dynamy to better themselves and the world.

If you could participate in an internship offered through Dynamy, which one would you choose?

If I could be a Dynamy intern, I would want to work in the courthouse - in any capacity. You get to interact with many different types of people, see the justice system at work and observe a variety of different jobs. The variety of this internship site would offer would be an ideal place for me!

What is your favorite part of working in Worcester?

Worcester is going through a cultural renaissance. There are so many great things in this area and it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves. I love eating, so the places to eat and have coffee are definitely the highlight for me.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful Gap Year?

The main ingredient for a successful Gap Year is a student’s willingness to be challenged and pushed out of their comfort zone. A great quote that summarizes this idea is simply:

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

George Addair

Professional Associations

Gap Year Association Logo
Gap Year Association Logo
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