Getting off to a good start is helpful for new employees, including summer interns.
Jeff City START, a free program offered through the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, is designed to provide interns with useful information, connections and professional development.
Now in its third year, the program will host a half-day orientation beginning at 8 a.m. June 6. In addition to a tour of the city in two parts, sessions will focus on: interest groups and lifestyle information; and career and industry information. The event concludes with a keynote presentation; and networking lunch.
Interns may register online at jeffcitystart.com/register. Additional information is available at www.jeffcitystart.com.
Local attorney Stephanie Bell is overseeing the event again this year in her capacity as chairman of the Internship Initiative Program Committee.
She said the goals of the program are:
• To connect students and employers.
• To help interns connect with each other.
• To help interns connect with young professionals, business leaders and the community.
START will offer three professional development Lunch and Learn programs this summer. An added feature, Bell said, will be sessions based on interests and hobbies. "For example," she said, "one might be aimed at pet owners and animal lovers, or people who enjoy live music, or people interested in health and fitness."
Another feature is professional development will be subdivided into various industry groups. Bell identified marketing, law and business as possible areas where local opportunities might be showcased.
Communities thrive when talented young people elect to remain or return to become involved in businesses, professions and activities.
Jeff City START does much more than roll out the welcome mat. It provides a civic diagram of opportunities and serves as a catalyst for lifelong connections with peers and professionals.