Northeast Indiana Making an Impact

On Wednesday, the State Chamber's Indiana INTERNnet program recognized the recipients of its 2009 IMPACT Awards. "Outstanding Intern of the Year" winner Tiffany LeFever was a student at Churubusco High School when she began working with an organization called Leadership Whitley County to redesign its youth leadership initiative. Her responsibilities ranged from researching potential curriculum and securing financial support to attending board meetings and promoting the program to area high schools. LeFever now attends Indiana Wesleyan University, where she is majoring in leadership.

We are so proud that this student from Northeast Indiana was recognized with this state honor. Over the last two years employers and individuals from Northeast Indiana have been popping into these award categories. What does that mean, you ask? It means we've got it going on up here! Our Graduate Retention Program works tirelessly to connect employers with students for internships, in order to strengthen our future workforce.... I hope you will forgive my shameless bragging - our Graduate Retention team's work accounts for 25% of all the Indiana INTERNnet internship postings in the state. That's a big deal.

I can personally speak to the importance of internships, as my own college internship was a defining experience in my education and led to a full-time job. If you're overwhelmed by your workload, or just looking for some fresh talent, considering bringing a high school or college intern into your business. Not only will they bring energy and skill to your workplace, but you can have an enormous impact on their future as they gain valuable work experience. For help setting up an internship, contact Katelyn Daniel at (260) 424-1435.