The Lone Star College-CyFair Falcon Internship Program (FIP) offers a hassle-free partnership between local business owners and LSC-CyFair students. LSC-CyFair’s Internship Coordinator, Patty James, vets the student applicants and works with human resources and recruiting teams of local businesses to ensure the right candidates are matched.
Launched in 2024, FIP (which is housed at LSC-CyFair in the Center for Academic and Student Engagement building) works with business owners and student interns to bridge the talent gap.
This internship program, led by Patty since its launch, has since placed interns with Congressman Wesley Hunt and Texas Home Stagers, among others. In addition, four FIP interns are transitioning to permanent positions within their intended industries of Information Technology and Administrative Services at LSC-CyFair. Along with ongoing discussions with mid-sized IT companies, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, and Enerflex, Ltd., students are participating in professional career shadowing events at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital and in finance with Tomball ISD.
FIP also has 14 students in paid internships with 70 students who are ready and waiting for an internship opportunity.
For Business Owners - Things to Consider
Interns are eager to experience the difference between academic theories and real-world applications. If a business owner is thinking “the job pool isn’t great these days” or “I wish new-hires knew x, y, z” this is a pivotal way LSC-CyFair FIP is tackling the issue. “Education and industry are working together to meet the needs of both, for a shared future,” says Patty.
The FIP team helps establish guidelines, accountability measures and anything else business owners may need to create a mutually beneficial program. They understand a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't always work, acknowledging that in cases when the program isn’t a viable option, then an alternative short-term, project-based option can be discussed – even micro internships.
For Parents - Things to Know
Students are learning and growing – and the job market for early talent and graduates is challenging. Work experience (internships), personal presentation and communication are critical to professional outcomes. “Actual work-based experience is very eye-opening for students, often in a way nothing else can be,” Patty says. “If it’s where they want to be – it increases drive and engagement, academically and professionally.”
Success Stories
Evan Pyles
Bridgeland Dual Credit Student & FIP Intern at Westpark Communications
Current Bridgeland High School Dual Credit LSC-CyFair student, Evan Pyles, is gaining real-world insight into media and marketing while interning at Westpark Communications. Inspired by his own family’s endeavors in creating multiple successful companies and storefronts, Evan wanted a career in the business marketing/film field and is looking into creating a video production company. FIP works very hard to stay tied in with their students and although Evan was an exception, because the FIP team listened and engaged with the student and the employer, a successful match was found.
Daniela Santamaria
LSC-CyFair, FIP Dual Credit Alumni Continues Path to Law School at University of Houston
When Daniela started FIP she had a deep interest in contract law and real estate. Through the program, she learned about the variety of opportunities and industries that utilize attorneys outside of the courtroom. The Dual Credit alum excelled academically so her time in the program was focused on expanding her knowledge base of opportunities, confidence building and interview skills. Daniela’s experience in FIP led to her internship with Congressman Wesley Hunt’s office which then gave her the confidence to pursue other avenues. In fact, she even bypassed an opportunity with the Fort Bend County DA’s office due to the overlapping commitment with Congressman Hunt’s office, but they directly invited her to apply again. Daniela earned an Associate of Arts in Business with LSC-CyFair in 2024 and is now working on a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Marketing with a minor in Legal Studies at the University of Houston in pursuit of a career in law.
Tung “TJ” Vo
Cy-Fair ISD Alumni, LSC-CyFair work study student & FIP Completer to Study in Tunisia
TJ’s opportunities in FIP were to broaden his understanding of required industry skills. He spent time looking at job postings, exploring companies, and determining – based on what he sees from actual job listings – where he could expand his knowledge either with LSC-CyFair or through independent study. TJ also benefitted from having a dedicated, professional “cheering section” to depend on for advice, support, and proofreading. TJ took to heart the mantra of “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” TJ, a 2023 Jersey Village Cum Laude grad and LSC-CyFair work study student (who will graduate this May) was selected for an Amideast Education Abroad Scholarship for the Community and Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) Program in Tunisia. “By participating in this eight-day summer program, TJ hopes to expand his horizons of cultural competency and broaden his analytical perspective while developing his appreciation for diverse approaches to solving complex problems,” Patty shares. “His career goal is to be a data analyst for a company or community-oriented organization that tackles societal problems such as gender equity, healthcare access, and environmental degradation.”