How High School Internships Solve the College Major Crisis - Phil Como, Smithtown IAB

Most students pick a college major or career path without ever setting foot inside a real workplace. The result? Wasted tuition, career burnout, and young talent leaving Long Island because they do not know what opportunities exist in their own backyard.In this episode of the Turn One Studio Podcast, host Eliud Custodio sits down with Phil Como, Executive Director of the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board (IAB) and Work-Based Learning Coordinator for the Smithtown Central School District.Phil breaks down how the oldest and largest high school IAB on Long Island connects over 700 local businesses with high school students. He shares how hands-on internships, job shadowing, and immersive STEM roadshows trigger the "light switch moment" where students discover their true passion before spending thousands on higher education.KEY TOPICS COVERED:- What is the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board (IAB)?- How high school internships and business partnerships work- The STEM Roadshow: Replacing trade show booths with real site visits- The "Light Switch Moment": Helping students discover their passion early- Overcoming the trade school stigma and building future entrepreneurs- AI, automation, and why skilled trades remain irreplaceable- Phil Como's personal journey from Wall Street to career coordinator- Long Island housing, brain drain, and retaining local talent- How local business leaders can get involved with school districtsCONNECT WITH PHIL COMO & SMITHTOWN IAB:Email: [email protected]: https://www.smithtown.k12.ny.usCONNECT WITH TURN ONE STUDIO:Website: https://www.turnonestudio.comEnjoying the show? Follow the Turn One Studio Podcast on Spotify and leave us a 5-star rating to help other Long Island leaders find us!