This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 13 former career and technical graduates who participated in an internship while in high school. With each participant, the researcher conducted interviews that focused on their perceptions of their internship experience and the influence it had on their career or college pathway. The interviews were conducted in two phases. Phase 1 was created to ensure all aspects of the participants' internship experience were captured. The first phase consisted of one prompt that asked participants to tell their internship story. This phase was uninterrupted, and participants were allowed to take as much time as needed to discuss any aspect of their experience. The second phase consisted of 14 semi-structured interview questions that focused on the perceptions and feelings of the participants toward their internship experience. By conducting the interview in two phases, the researcher was trying to ensure that any area of significance was captured that may have been missed in the semistructured interview questions. By conducting these interviews with former internship students, the researcher discovered that the participants placed overwhelming support toward their career and technical internship experience and the influence it had on their career and college pathways. The interview data revealed themes and characteristics through this study including real-world experience, communication, problem-solving, trust, pride, responsibility, professionalism, empowerment, frustration, stress, and a sense of awakening. The findings are meant to inform career and technical centers, high schools, and educators as to the perceived value that former high school interns associated with their internship experience. Career and technical centers and traditional high schools can use the findings from this study to understand the value students place on an internship experience and the influence it has on career or college pathways. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]