Education extends beyond the classroom at Country Day, where real-world experiences and community engagement help guide students toward future career opportunities.
Our Senior Externship Program provides an invaluable opportunity for students to explore potential career paths by shadowing professionals in fields that interest them. Since its launch in 2017, the program has partnered with more than 100 area employers across 20 industries. This year, 136 seniors were paired with 68 Charlotte-area employers, many of whom are current and past Country Day parents and alumni. Through this hands-on experience, students gain industry insights, develop professional connections, and deepen their understanding of the working world.
This year, seniors shadowed professionals in fields ranging from law and finance to medicine and beyond.
As part of their Externship, these seniors spent the day at Great Southern Bank learning about finance.
Three students—Benjamin Farnham, Zaria Reid, and Frances McBryde—offered insights into their unique externship experiences.
Benjamin Farnham, Air Traffic Control, Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Benjamin shadowed air traffic controllers and was impressed by the coordination and precision required to manage the airport’s operations. "Down in the radar room—about the size of a basketball court—40 people were locked in, calmly calling out commands while tracking dozens of planes," he said. "Up in the tower, another 20 controllers handled takeoffs, landings, and taxiing planes like a massive puzzle. Seeing them juggle over 50 flights at once, with everything moving so fast yet so precisely, made me realize how high-risk their job is. The focus and teamwork it takes to keep it all running smoothly were more intense than I would have ever imagined.”
Benjamin's externship deepened his understanding of aviation and looks forward to continuing his training and education, and eventually taking his passion to the skies.
Zaria Reid, TV Broadcasting, WBTV
Zaria got a behind-the-scenes look at video and news programming and experienced the production of a live episode of Queen City Life. "I want to create stories that capture audiences' attention," she shared. "This experience helped me understand the different paths in broadcasting and what it takes to get a good start."
Frances McBryde, Cardiology, Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute Atrium Health
Frances shadowed Dr. Sherry Saxonhouse, a local invasive cardiologist, and gained firsthand experience of the day-to-day schedule of medical professionals and the meticulous work required in the field. "My externship showed me how excited I am for the future and confirmed that I want to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. There was not one minute where I wasn’t learning and taking in new information. I’m so lucky that Country Day gave me this opportunity,” she said.
Natalie HutchinsonDean of Students and Externship Coordinator
We are sincerely grateful for the time and energy of our community partners who make this program such a success. The exposure students get to real-world work environments is a key part of their education, and it often sparks ideas for their future careers."