Recent Colin Powell School graduate Danil Skripal ’25 spent this summer interning at the New York City Department of Education through the CUNY Career Launch Program. Placed at the Office of Student Enrollment, Danil worked in a customer service role at a Family Welcome Center, supporting families with enrollment, transfers, and other essential services.
Danil’s path is a strong example of how the Powell School’s Office of Student Success, paired with CUNY’s vast network of resources, helps students bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional experience. During his senior year, Danil participated in several professional development opportunities, including the Interviews 101 Workshop led by Maya Gutierrez, Director of the Public Service Career Hub. The workshop covers everything from email etiquette and personal presentation to preparing strong interview responses and navigating multiple offers.
Danil credits these experiences with giving him the confidence to pursue opportunities:
“Working with the Office of Student Success helped me to find opportunities by connecting me with resources and guiding me through applications and deadlines.”
He also highlights the personalized mentorship he received:
“Maya was especially helpful with feedback on my resume and personal statement, and genuinely cared about how I was doing. She provided additional prep resources and encouragement that really motivated me to apply. I don’t think I would have had as much confidence without her support.”
Looking back, Danil encourages new Powell School students to start early:
“I highly recommend reaching out and finding opportunities right away. I wish I had applied to more internships earlier, especially since many are geared toward freshmen and sophomores. Internships help you discover what you enjoy, make college more meaningful, and set you up for success.”
The CUNY Career Launch Program connects students with paid internships across fields including education, healthcare, science and technology, marketing and communications, and community impact. Danil’s journey shows how tapping into these resources can shape a student’s professional path and open doors to new possibilities.
