4 minute read
Retaining Talent, One Intern at a Time
How Intern Delaware can elevate your company’s internship program
BY AMANDA SCHIMMEL
USUALLY TAKEN ON IN THE SUMMER, internships offer an excellent opportunity to test out an industry or profession and determine a desire to pursue a future career in that area of work. Whether the internship includes experiencing the day-to-day workload as an assistant buyer, scheduling social media posts for an up-and-coming research organization, or working through the numbers for an accounting firm, they all provide an enriching and unique experience. So, what if there was a way to make this already-amazing experience even better?
The answer is Intern Delaware—an “add-on” to enhance your company’s internship program where summer interns receive access to professional development programming and networking opportunities designed to help them understand the unique aspects of Delaware’s economy and culture. The experience not only elevates the participant’s skills and knowledge as a professional, but it also acts as a pipeline for growing and retaining Delaware’s future workforce.
This year’s 10-week-long program was comprised of nearly 200 interns from 28 corporate partners. Participants attended 16 engaging events and heard from more than 40 speakers. Starting off with an informational session and a kickoff barbeque in early June, the 2023 cohort gathered for some outdoor fun and a chance to mingle with their peers prior to the first official event. At the Senior Executive Roundtable panel discussion later that same week, the interns met and interacted with some of the state’s top executives, learning the inside scoop on what it means to be in a top role. And that was just the beginning!
With two to three events per week, the interns are privy to a variety of captivating content. For example, the Opportunity in Delaware webinar discussed how young professionals can leave a lasting impression and truly be someone in Delaware. During this event, themes of advocacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation were raised by Senator Sarah McBride, Markevis Gideon, Noah Olson, and Jennifer Thomkins. Along similar lines, the Build Your Network Lunch and Learn—led by Leadership Delaware fellows—encompassed topics such as how to find the right professional mentor, when to reach out to a connection, and how to build relationships with professionals.
The program’s Coffee and Conversations allowed for more informal networking and broaching compelling topics. From learning how to address difficult conversations in the workplace and touring the Chemours Discovery Hub to exploring the intersection of opera and the modern performing arts, these events also exposed interns to Delaware’s vibrant and diverse industries.
In summary, the 2023 Intern Delaware experience was one for the books! Thank you to all the sponsors and speakers who helped make this year’s program unforgettable. We look forward to welcoming our next cohort in the summer of 2024!
Where are our interns from?
“The exposure and opportunities offered by Intern Delaware gave our cohort the resources to not only grow in our career, but how to grow as a person… From meeting the Governor and professional development to giving back to the community; I’m grateful for all the valuable experiences!” —Timia Boyd, Bank of America
“I entered the Intern Delaware program knowing only the basics about my state. Now I can say with confidence that I have fallen in love with Delaware. The program has been an invaluable resource in growing my professional network and helping me forge connections with leaders in my state.” – Adam Barto, Zip Code Wilmington
Intern Delaware is a flagship program under Delaware State Chamber's affiliate, The Partnership, Inc. The Partnership 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 www.DSCC.com/ThePartnership.
SPONSORS
Founding
CSC
Pathway
Adesis, Inc.
M&T Bank
Opportunity
Chemours
FMC Corporation
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware
Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP
University of Delaware Career Center
WSFS Bank
Development
Bancroft Construction
Bank of America
Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs
Delaware Department of Transportation
Delaware Prosperity Partnership
Fulton Bank
Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell
Nemours Children’s Health
Other participating partners:
BDO USA LLP
Diamond Technologies, Inc.
Farmers of Salem
ILC Dover
Kelly Benefits
Rockland Sports, LLC
University of Delaware Athletics
Wilmington Friends School
Zip Code Wilmington
