Students aided in job search
Benjamin Cook
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Features
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Each organization sought to recruit interns for the summer, as well as for the fall and for the spring. The fair coincided with the Chamber of Commerce's Business to Business Showcase, where over 100 business leaders were also present to display their products and to explain their services. Although the Chamber has organized the showcase for the past two years, this was the first time they included an internship component.
Coordinating the fair was a joint effort between the Central Maine Growth Council, the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce. "We encourage you to walk around and visit with all of the representatives here," Kimberly N. Lindlof, President & CEO of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, noted in a letter addressed to interested students. "It's a great way for you to not only learn more detail about the internships, but to network and meet some of central Maine's leaders… The College student cohort is an integral component of our regional economy, and our goal is to get you more involved."
The available internships varied from being an orthodontist's assistant to managing the local Hampton Inn's website. "I went down to see what choices were available," said Autumn Smith '12. "It was interesting to see the different businesses."
Although some students went to the fair to browse, many went to look for internships related to their academic major. Maine School Administrative District #54 looked for individuals who were interested in education, while MaineGeneral Health sought students who might eventually go to medical school.
Not only did the fair highlight internship opportunities, but it also created a forum to publicize local organizations that are not well-known among students. "I'm pleased," John Butera said, Executive Director of the Central Maine Growth Council.
"Our goal was to link business and education…to get everyone in the same room…but that wasn't the end game." Butera emphasized that even if a student did not find an internship, at the very least they learned more about businesses in the community.
Rachel L. Dingman, an AmeriCorps VISTA working in the Dean of Students Office, agreed. "I am not looking for an internship," she said. "I came down to network with local businesses." Dingman is in the process of leading the Make the Right Turn Campaign, which creates incentives for Colby students to shop locally and to attend downtown events.
Those who were unable to attend the fair may contact the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce at 207-873-3315 for more information on internships in the area.
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