Diebold, Freshmark, the Timken Company, and nearly 40 other companies participated in an Employer Breakfast hosted by Walsh University’s DeVille School of Business on September 28. Employers gathered in Walsh’s new Marlene and Joe Toot Global Center to learn about how Walsh University student internships can benefit their organization. DeVille School of Business faculty, DSoB advisory board members and student leaders were on hand to share the benefits of a partnership with Walsh students for internships.
The event topic "How to get started with and optimize internships" was purposefully chosen to reflect the academic theme of "Experiential Learning," which is one of the shared hallmarks of a Walsh University and DeVille School of Business education.
The breakfast included a panel discussion with four local employers, from different industries, who have successfully designed and implemented internship programs in collaboration with Walsh University. The panelists included Annie Yoder, Rea and Assoc.; Kelly Miller, Performance Health; Bill Choler, Clifton Larson Allen; and Mike Wheeler, Patriot Software. The panel discussion was facilitated by Lauren Zollinger, DSoB Advisory Board Member.
"We are very excited to partner with organizations in our community and to grow internship opportunities for our students," said Dr. Patricia Berg, DeVille School of Business Assistant Professor. "We are always seeking high impact activities and the employer breakfast was a perfect venue for us to do that."
The event also included remarks by Executive in Residence Ronald Manse and Accounting Professor Lora Harley who provided a snapshot of the DeVille School of Business internship process.
"The discussions were very engaging, interactive, and relevant. Internships provide DSoB students with an opportunity to learn new business models and real world problem solving skills. Our interns play a key role to foster innovation and entrepreneurial activates in the region," said DSoB Dean Dr. Raj Javalgi. "After the luncheon, several of our guests visiting the GLC for the first time asked me to give them a tour of the building. Events like this provide an opportunity for our local community leaders to visit campus and see firsthand all that Walsh has to offer."
Event sponsors included Walsh University, Stark Economic Development Board and Employers Health.
"Internships are a good way to keep young talent here. When you look at Stark County statistics, we graduate about 2,000 college students each year. Why can’t we keep those students here?" said Manse. "By giving our local college students internships, we have a better chance of them staying in Stark County. Young people need to know there are opportunities right here in this community. They don’t have to leave Northeast Ohio to find career success or innovation."