4 minute read
Retaining Talent and Elevating Futures
HOW INTERN DELAWARE CAN HELP ENHANCE YOUR COMPANY’S INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
BY AMANDA SCHIMMEL
Housed under the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s workforce and education affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., Intern Delaware is a statewide initiative focused on building connections between Delaware’s business community and emerging talent, with a strong emphasis on retaining interns and young professionals within the state.
Founded in 2019, Intern Delaware partners with employers who enroll their interns in the program. Each summer, the cohort participates in a structured calendar of events that enhances the employers’ existing internship programs while highlighting the unique advantages of building a career in the state. The program fosters professional growth, community engagement, and mentorship, effectively bridging the gap between education and industry. Through this collaborative partnership, students gain valuable work skills and first-hand exposure to the benefits of launching their careers in Delaware after graduation.
The 2024 program welcomed 104 interns from 14 different companies, offering a comprehensive experience that combined in-person events, virtual webinars, company site tours, and cultural explorations. Key events included the CEO Roundtable, workshops on diversity and inclusion, and webinars featuring leaders like Governor John Carney.
These experiences not only strengthened interns’ professional development but also deepened their connections to Delaware’s unique opportunities.
“Intern Delaware encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and connect with fellow interns and leaders across various industries throughout the state. This experience not only enabled me to build a valuable professional network but also fostered meaningful friendships. Additionally, it provided me with the opportunity to explore and appreciate different parts of Delaware that I might not have discovered otherwise.” —Elizabeth Hartnett, Adesis, Inc.
Intern Delaware’s impact goes beyond individual experiences; it serves as a critical strategy for addressing Delaware’s talent retention challenges. Of the 104 participants, 63.1% were from out of state, presenting a vital opportunity to attract and retain non-native talent. State data highlights this need: from 2019 to 2023, Delaware’s retiree population increased by 17.09%, while the working-age population grew by only 2.79%. Intern Delaware helps counteract this stagnant workforce growth by giving young professionals a reason to stay. Participants were asked how likely they were to work in Delaware after graduation, with results showing a 3.1% increase for those considering employment in the state and a 2.1% increase for those planning to remain with their internship company. These outcomes highlight Intern Delaware’s role in positively shaping talent retention. Conversely, the average likelihood of participants choosing to live in Delaware declined slightly by 0.9%, highlighting the need for further efforts to enhance the state’s appeal to the younger generation.
Intern Delaware is more than just an internship program—it’s a catalyst for shaping Delaware’s future workforce and fostering a dynamic business ecosystem. The work, however, is far from complete. As Delaware continues to emerge as an economic leader, the ongoing partnership between local businesses and Intern Delaware offers a powerful opportunity to foster the next generation of decision makers.
“I want to say thank you for an amazing summer through Intern Delaware. Throughout my experience I was able to make amazing connections, great friends, and I feel more confident going into the workforce. I learned more about Delaware this summer than I have during my four years in school. This program helped me really appreciate Delaware and all it has to offer. I am so glad I was able to be a part of this program! I hope it continues to help students and young adults like me!” —Caitlyn Wilson, Highmark BCBS
SPONSORS
Founding
CSC
Pathway
Adesis, Inc.
M&T Bank
Opportunity
Chemours
Highmark BCBS Delaware
University of Delaware Career Center
WSFS Bank
Development
Bancroft Construction
Bank of America
Belfint Lyons & Shuman
Siemens Healthineers
Delmarva Power
Proctor & Gamble
Other participating partners
BDO USA
Brown Advisory
Delaware Prosperity Partnership
Farmers of Salem
Handytube
UD Athletics
The Siegfried Group
Intern Delaware is a flagship program under the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., which also manages Delaware Principal for a Day, Superstars in Education & Training, and the Delaware Young Professionals Network (DYPN). Interested in enrolling an intern in next year’s programming or learning more about these programs? Contact Helana Rodriguez at hrodriguez@dscc.com or visit DSCC.com/ThePartnership.
