Q&A
Discussion on the value and discontinuation of 311 internships
0:53:12
·
79 sec
Council Member Gale A. Brewer expresses concern about the discontinuation of the 311 internship program, highlighting its value in preparing students for future careers in New York City. Lauren Andersen from CUNY acknowledges the program's benefits but notes that the roles were not well-aligned with students' career paths.
- Brewer emphasizes the valuable skills learned in handling challenging phone calls
- CUNY acknowledges the program's benefits but cites misalignment with career goals
- Discussion touches on the history and structure of the 311 program
Gale A. Brewer
0:53:12
I'm I'm concerned about this 311 because, I mean, I was there when it was started.
0:53:17
It's got the king, Texas, contract, city workers, and CUNY students.
0:53:23
They learn something that's lifelong though.
0:53:26
If you can handle those crazy people on the phone, you can handle anything.
0:53:31
So I'm I'm serious having been in that world for quite some time.
0:53:36
So I'm just wondering Did you kind of survey them to see what they think of that job?
0:53:41
Do they the ones because you've been there for what?
0:53:43
15 years now, 20 years almost.
0:53:46
But it's I think it's a real launching plan for future survival in New York City, literally.
Lauren Andersen
0:53:55
So we have several alumni of the program who work in our office, and it's true.
0:54:01
Some of the skills that they learned there were at absolutely essential and very valuable skills.
0:54:06
Yeah.
0:54:06
The the work Doing with the public is no joke.
0:54:09
Nope.
0:54:09
Yes.
0:54:10
Indeed.
0:54:12
The the work that they that a lot of our students aspire to though, those particular roles were not particularly aligned with how they advance in their career path overall.
0:54:21
So definitely hear you.
0:54:23
Happy to reconsider and to have some additional conversations, but we really need to make sure that those roles in the call center have clear link.
Gale A. Brewer
0:54:31
No, I agree.
