support specialist

life skills trainer

clinician

student advisor

program director

College Internship Program

I've been working at CIP Long Beach for a few years now. I came in as an intern and worked my way up to a management position. My experiences here have definitely contributed to my career and self growth as I learned first about documentation standards to now learning how to manage a team and department. CIP provides assistance to young adults 18-27 diagnosed with autism or other learning differences (some students have CP) gain skills for transition into independent life. This includes assistance with skills for independent living, careers, social skills, wellness, and academics.

As other reviews have stated, yes sometimes work life balance is hard, management is not always perfect, etc. BUT I personally think my work life balance is hard due to my own passion for what I do. Management will never be perfect but it's all about finding a compromise and reaching mutual understanding. I haven't had much problem reaching these with management. 

What I do like about this work environment is the ability to be more creative with how approach and how departments work. New ideas are welcome as long as they are logical and can be spoken to. That being said, I don't see CIP as a company to move up purely because of "seniority", staff move up based on their own efforts. Staff here are all pretty much friendly, also very passionate as well. 

Lastly, I believe what keeps me here is both the ability to creative, our amazing student population,  and living for the moments when our students show growth and thrive.

Joining this organization was a major career transition and one I look back on with deep gratitude. From the start I’ve been impressed by the talent, thoughtfulness, and genuine passion of staff across the National teams and Centers. Paired with CIP’s culture of inclusion and respect for people as whole individuals, it creates an environment that is both supportive and empowering.

The work-life balance is excellent, with real agency in the work we do. Each day offers the right mix of challenges and victories, making the experience rewarding and inspiring. My colleagues, the students, and the broader community continually motivate me, and the collective impact of this organization is invaluable.

Many companies provide opportunities to grow and develop skills. What sets CIP apart is that beyond professional growth, it offers the rare chance to become a better person overall.

There are great moments and very challenging moments at CIP. The staff is very caring and resilient. The main issue tends to be approving students to join who have challenges that need to be addressed outside of the program or students who do not have a sense of curiosity or intrinsic motivation. It is difficult to provide support if students are dishonest or constantly reject services. Unfortunately, the constant shifts in job duties based off unexpected student needs are not always taken into account, making it challenging to complete the essential tasks. The company has a great deal of potential, but many of the processes and procedures should be ironed out and made clear to help staff feel they are working as a team rather than picking and choosing what can be dropped or put off to save themselves. Overall, the positive outcomes are very rewarding and fulfilling. Everyone does their best to understand next steps to help students succeed even when the needs of students vary. 

Very difficult to implement services the way the company is structured.  The idea of the program of helping young adults with ASD and learning challenges is great and I believe that most of the employees at the company have the best intentions.  But senior management does not offer clear leadership, changes priorities often, and plies on additional responsibilities for the program directors which makes the individual centers run in a haphazard way. Many employees are unhappy over pay and morale is low.  There is an overall climate of the individual centers against the senior management making for a very stressful working environment.   Parents spend a lot of money to put their young adult children in this program, but they also need support and the company does nothing for them.

Most employees are overworked, and undervalued. Company is focused on money coming in, and will cut corners at client and families expense. Resources and budgets for supplies is very low to nothing, making it difficult to offer good services to clients and families. It is a private pay, and expensive, program and the company does not offer the level of support and care for the amount families must pay for services. Ethically flawed. 

CIP is a caring and professional culture of amazing staff, leaders, students, and families. 

In the world today, it is difficult to find cultures of professionals who are truly invested in helping young adults be successful living, learning, and working independently. CIP staff do this every day! 

CIP continues to make our world better because it never stops challenging the norms of what people with learning differences can achieve.



Working at College Internship Program has been a dream! I had the opportunity to step into a role I have always dreamed of. On top of that, I also feel supported and valued by my fellow colleagues. During the interview process, every person I connected with stressed their willingness to answer any questions should I have any after my interview, and communicated openly on the expectations of the position!

This company has good intentions with helping those on the autistic spectrum, however, they work you to the bone without fair compensation. Working with the students is the highlight of the job, but the management has high expectations with no guidance.  Many of the upper management have minimal experience with this population and constantly berate the staff for every little thing they do.  All they care about is how they look to the national office and will step on toes to get promoted.

The Long Beach office has a welcoming culture to new hires. It was not overwhelming to see the different aspects of the position because the team is very proactive and competent. There is also a balance between macro and micro perspectives of the program director position. That balance is appreciated and valuable to assure me that I am doing what is necessary in the short and long term.

I worked for CIP for 5+ years. Local staff was great, but national staff gave little autonomy to local staff, had unrealistic expectations, and cheated families out of money and services. Unethical business practices is why I chose to leave. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Support specialist 13 salaries reported	$21.31 per hour
Life skills trainer 3 salaries reported	$21.33 per hour
Clinician 8 salaries reported	$80,313 per year
Student advisor 4 salaries reported	$24.42 per hour
Program director 4 salaries reported	$87,782 per year

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