LunchVox: Cultivate Talent

In March, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce brought together a panel of business leaders and local high school students to discuss successful internship programs. Facilitated by Robert Killen of the Chamber, the panel of Avril Watt of Johnson Crushers International and Letty Maldanado of Reynolds Electric, and local high school student Alaina Chalette and recent graduate Talon Search, detailed the triumphs and challenges of successfully hosting a student intern.

The employers noted challenges like making sure job sites and work floors met Oregon’s increased safety standards for students, as well as success in finding the right mix of work to keep the students busy and engaged at the business. Both students echoed the notion that staying busy at the internship was key in keeping them motivated, while also noting that having projects where they can gain hands on experience and contribute to real results brings a sense of accomplishment to their time with the business. The panel also discussed how to get an internship program started, from both the business and student perspective.

If you missed the meeting and would like more information on current internship programs or how to get your business involved in hosting interns, please contact Paige Sharpe, Program Manager, at the Chamber.