Many people can trace their career success to participation in an internship or co-op. Internships and co-ops prepare the next generation of professionals to become leaders and step into important roles with work experience and a better understanding of their career field. Young professionals need training and opportunities to learn and grow within their work fields.
With two of my own children taking advantage of co-ops and internships while in college, I know their value first-hand. This is why I introduced Senate Bill 227 in the last General Assembly, which designates the second Tuesday of each April as “Ohio Internship and Co-op Appreciation Day.”
Internship and Co-op Appreciation Day is meant to raise awareness about the value of these opportunities and to encourage businesses to establish or enhance co-op and internship programs in the state of Ohio.
New internship and co-op programs are helping to prepare Ohio’s future workforce for success and bolstering our state’s economy. A recent study found that nearly 60 percent of paid college-graduate interns were offered full-time employment from the company that sponsored their internship programs. Internships allow students to make an immediate and positive impact upon entering the workforce.
Organizations such as Ohio Third Frontier embrace internships and are committed to transforming the state’s economy through the growth of startup and early-stage technology companies. Their Ohio Tech Internship (OTI) program connects motivated individuals with internship opportunities in early stage technology companies across Ohio. The program provides eligible businesses with up to $10,000 in support for each internship position, and assists in identifying potential intern candidates.
Programs like Ohio Third Frontier help startup companies by providing new talent and enhancing businesses’ potential for growth and success. Ohio is able to retain a skilled workforce and boost the overall economy while encouraging the development of new companies.
For more information about Ohio Third Frontier, please visit https://development.ohio.gov/bs_thirdfrontier/tfip.htm.
To learn more about internship and co-op opportunities in our state, I encourage you to visit OhioMeansInternships.com. With new positions posted weekly, Ohio Means Internships is a great resource for finding and applying to internship and co-op opportunities.
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