ST. LOUIS — About a dozen St. Louis high school seniors are getting work experience in customer service before the end of their high school career thanks to a new Spectrum internship.

Kamryn Hufstedler and Anabel Rico heard about the program through Ritenour High School where they will graduate in May. Spectrum works with school districts and community partners to spread word of the program.

“I started Spectrum just as another way to get out of fast-food or at least broaden my horizons to get a better understanding of what the work-life is going to be when I get older,” Hufstedler said.

Hufstedler and Rico were trained as call center representatives and help customers who call in with questions about their internet or phone service.

“Customers call in and they have issues with the internet whether they can’t connect or they’re having other issues like slow speeds,” Rico said. “And we try to work together to get them back up and running and get the best resolution to their issue.”

They work part-time and received a starting pay of $18.50 an hour plus benefits. Interns can decide to stay on full-time after graduation, which includes a tuition-free program and other full-time benefits.

“When I came in, I didn’t know the difference between the internet and Wi-Fi or anything like that,” Hufstedler said, adding that she also learned how to interact with customers effectively.

The internship has prepared Hufstedler also to dress professionally in the workforce, as well as getting to work on time, following schedules and more.

Through the internship, Rico said she has learned communication skills and how to speak confidently with customers.

“A customer may ask you a question and at that moment, you may not know the answers, so you will have to do some research and you have to come back to talk with them like you didn’t just learn about it,” Rico said.

Hufstedler added that what she enjoys most about the program is the community.

“The workplace atmosphere is really welcoming and laid back for the most part,” she said.

Rico said, “The people in the community (are) always willing to help you grow and if you ask them for help, they are willing to give you a hand and just be there for you, especially my supervisor.”

June 18 will mark the end of Hufstedler and Rico’s internship. Hufstedler plans to stay on full-time after high school as she figures out her college plans.

“I’m trying to climb up the ladder. There are different parts that I want to get into, whether that be transferring up to Rep. II or Rep. III, making sure that my metrics are at a performing pace and just seeing what this company has to offer me,” Hufstedler said.

Rico also plans to stay at Spectrum after high school either full-time or part-time.

“This is a great experience to start off because there are so many people willing to help you learn and succeed,” she said.

For more information about the internship program, click here.

Charter Communications is the parent company of Spectrum News.