The Ohio State University Mansfield (OSU-M) and North Central State College (NCSC) partnered to host an internship meet and greet event on Friday at Eisenhower Hal. The event was attended by over 60 employers and agencies and 143 students from both campuses, as well as local students attending college in other communities.
The program was made possible in part thanks to a joint grant awarded to the two colleges for internship programs. Tracy Bond, OSU-M/NCSC Internship Program Coordinator, Greg Timberlake, NCSC Dean of Business, Heather Tanner, OSU Faculty President, as well as key faculty members, made opening remarks.
“An opportunity can begin with something as simple as starting a conversation or setting up an informational interview with a business. An opportunity can be a short mentoring experience with a student where they can shaddow an employer and learn about their day to day experiences. An opportunity here can be a follow up to schedule an interview for an internship,” said Bond.
Following the introductory remarks the employers and agencies took their places at tables surrounding the upper floor of the student union. Meanwhile the students were prepared for the networking experience with valuable advice.
The format of the event was “speed networking.” Students and employers had five minutes to interact, discuss their goals and internship needs, and exchange information. Then an alarm would sound signalling the students to switch to another business or agency.
Kim Pfleider is currently serving as a human resources intern at the Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau. She has had a great experience as an intern and was representing the agency at the event.
“I like their program, they’ve done graphic design, business, they’ve even had nurses who were wanting to learn business. I’ve had a great experience as an intern so, yeah, I like it,” said Pfleider.
Jerry Strausbaugh is the executive director at Appleseed Community Mental Health Center. They have had social work interns I the past, but this time they really hope to find an it person. “We need to try to find somebody who can help us out with our computers so we’re looking for a students intern who might be an experienced intern,” said Strausbaugh.
When the students entered the room there was a hum of activity as employers and students rushed to connect before the next buzzer. Some students hovered near employers they hoped to talk to in anticipation of landing in the chair in front of a decision maker who could help launch their career.
One student, Logan Gibson, plans to work in the gaming industry. Although he knew that none of the employers in attendance were video game companies, that didn’t damper his enthusiasm to get some real world experience. With mock-ups of his work and a small portfolio in tow he was prepared to show his skills to anyone looking for a gifted artist.
“It’s fun,” he said, “this is my first time doing something like this.” With persistence he made sure to talk to each business flagged for graphic design as well as some technology and manufacturing companies.
NSCS student Matthew Webster is studying engineering and spoke mostly with manufacturing and engineering companies. “I’m just trying to find my path. I’m looking for a place to plant my feet so I can take off and run.”
Both students and business owners were pleased with the connections made at the event.
“I am so proud of the students who came here looking to make connections within their fields of study and within the community. They arrived prepared,” stated Bond, “Surprise connections were made, and networking was happening within all of the groups involved, including with faculty and employer to employer, and across both our institutions.
“We have wonderfully talented students and eager, unique, employers who are looking to connect with our campus and offer them mentoring experiences and internships. We really want to continue this event on an annual basis and offer something similar in the Spring,” said Bond.
“I’m just trying to find my path. I’m looking for a place to plant my feet so I can take off and run,” said NCSC student Matthew Webster.
