(INDIANAPOLIS) – Indiana is celebrating the impact of internships and work-based learning opportunities on the state’s workforce and the K-12 and higher education landscape during the second annual Indiana Intern Day on Thursday, July 30.
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education, in partnership with Indiana INTERNnet, is encouraging employers to take to social media and other virtual mediums to celebrate and recognize interns and meaningful internship experiences.
Modeled after National Intern Day, the Commission and Indiana INTERNnet are encouraging employers, educators and intern supervisors to fill out this pledge form to recognize interns on Indiana Intern Day. A digital media kit is available for employers and educators to use to show how they are celebrating interns on social media and by using the hashtag, #INinternDay.Interns are also encouraged to take to social media and share how employers are recognizing their contributions.
“Internships provide the practical experience and professional connections that not only give students a competitive advantage in the job market, but also equip students with the confidence and know-how to excel once they’re hired,” said Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Teresa Lubbers.
Indiana INTERNnet, managed by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, provides a free internship matching platform for students and employers. It also provides resources directly to employers on how to start or enhance internship and work-based learning programs. Indiana INTERNnet and the Commission partner on the state’s work-study program, EARN Indiana, which provides 50 percent matching funds to employers for qualifying internships.
“So many people found their career or favorite employer through an internship experience, and strong support of interns can result in a positive impression that lasts a lifetime,” said Mike Slocum, executive director of Indiana INTERNnet. “Sharing our stories online is a great way to encourage more high school and college students to find internships in the future, even as soon as this fall. Indiana Intern Day will celebrate a great 2020 summer internship season.”
The Commission is focused on measuring career relevance and preparation in Indiana’s postsecondary programs as it relates to the state’s educational and economic goals, as outlined in its new strategic plan, Reaching Higher in a State of Change.
“We know work-based learning increases student satisfaction and the likelihood of employment after graduation, as well as the retention of our talented graduates in the state of Indiana,” said Lubbers. “Our most recent Gallup-Indiana survey shows almost a third of alumni were employed at a company they’d interned with or worked for during college. A 2019 national survey found graduating college seniors who had an internship are more likely to receive a job offer as those without an internship.”
As of 7/22/20, a total of 90 employers and community partners have taken the pledge to recognize their interns on Indiana Intern Day.
