Summer interns bring energy to ClearVision Optical

This month, many Long Island companies will gear up for their summer internship programs. Among them is ClearVision Optical Co., a Hauppauge-based company that designs and distributes eyewear for famous brands that include Cole Haan, Ellen Tracy and Izod.

The company expects to hire 14 college interns this year, said Jennifer Trakhtenberg,  the company’s senior talent leader, who heads the program. In addition to work, ClearVision offers interns sessions on critical thinking, speed networking with senior management and a book club with the company president.

Trakhtenberg, pictured with some of the company's past and present interns, recently talked with Newsday about ClearVision’s program, and offered tips for interns and companies to get the most out of the summer.

What kind of response have you gotten for the summer program?
You have no idea. My desk is like a plethora of resumes . . . It’s not impossible for me to get at least 60 to 70 resumes per position.

What do you look for in choosing interns?
For me it’s a combination of things. GPA is an indicator but not the only factor. I’m looking for the rigor of the course work taken. Did they take varied course work? Did they challenge themselves? I am looking to see what outside activities they are involved with, whether on campus or through work experience and other internships.

What kind of work do students do?
Our program is about real work. They have assigned responsibilities. They have projects. They sit in on team meetings. They help with a lot of the initiatives that don’t get done if there aren’t junior people to support them.