Partnering with Local Business Desiree Fraser, Rachael Deja, Ebe Randeree Ebe.Randeree@cci.fsu

1. Partnering with Local Business Desiree Fraser, Rachael Deja, Ebe Randeree Ebe.Randeree@cci.fsu.edu • RESULTS • Students from the program have access to a wealth of potential employers and job opportunities • STARS has created a website that tracks internships and alumni for students to utilize in their search • In the Spring STARS hosted over 15 speakers from various companies, career fields, etc • Many companies decided to interview students – a success! • Every company that visited the school and conducted interviews accepted students for jobs and internships • Introduction • College courses provide limited information about the needs of employers; these needs are always changing and students need to be able to understand business needs, relevant skill sets, industry outlook,, etc. • Information about internships and employment can provide students with advantages in finding career paths, opportunities for internships, and jobs • Every university has a Career Center – the problem is that these centers provide “general information” and limited information about local and regional employers, future market needs, access to these employers, etc. • NEXT STEPS • Track company data (# hires, # interns) and rank “best supporters” • Gather data on the percentage of students graduating with jobs • Grow and strengthen the network of local business leaders and potential employers to provide more opportunities for students • Create a network of mentors within the community that students can access • Continue to position STARS as the leader in college with respect to employment and internships • Initiative • STARS will establish itself as a leader in the school/college • STARS will be the leader in inviting/hosting speakers on campus • STARS will visit local CEOs and bringing along students in the programs as well as WISE members • STARS will establish itself as the liaison between potential employers and students • STARS will track student internships and employment (including alumni) for development of mentors, potential donors, and partnerships when we visit other cities How do we partner with businesses to better prepare our students?