Julian Collazo, Graduate from Reading Area Community College
Intern at Brentwood Industries
Where are you from originally? Reading, Pa
What inspired you to pursue an internship in Greater Reading? During my junior year of high school, I wanted to gain real-world experience and build professional connections within Greater Reading. After connecting with Kristi Bonanno, I was introduced to what would be a trail of opportunities that showed me how supportive the Greater Reading community is, which inspired me to continue pursuing internships locally.
How has your experience in Greater Reading shaped your academic or career goals? My experience in Greater Reading has helped me recognize the wide range of opportunities this area has to offer, which has influenced my decision to stay local. I’ve always been motivated to apply what I learn through hands-on experience, and interning with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations has given me a broader understanding of the meaningful work happening in our community.
What advice would you give other students considering internships in Greater Reading? The importance of networking cannot be overstated. Every internship opportunity I have had came through the connections I made. Networking can feel difficult as a student, but the people in Greater Reading truly want to support you. That said, it is just as important to show your work ethic and capabilities. Strong relationships will open doors, but your performance is what keeps them open.
If someone is visiting the Greater Reading area, what hidden gem would you recommend they check out? If someone is visiting the Greater Reading area, I would recommend checking out Copperz Brewing Co. in Hamburg. They offer a wide variety of food, great service and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it well worth the trip.
