• Developing a mindset that enables young adults to continue learning and growing as professionals. Copeland said a strong talent pipeline is critical to the success of local businesses and the state’s future growth. That’s why it’s important that today’s college students stay in Oklahoma after graduation. The percentage of college graduates doing just that has improved over the last couple of decades. In fact, according to data provided by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 89.7% of Oklahoma residents are still employed in Oklahoma one year after graduation; 86.7% remain employed in the state after five years. “A majority of our citizens have chosen to be here because of the quality of life, cost of living and availability of jobs, and so we want to continue impressing upon our interns that Oklahoma City is a great place to grow your career,” Copeland said.
According to Copeland, every industry can benefit from creating opportunities to raise young talent. He believes there is no better way than through a summer internship. “Some of our employers need to continue to find pathways into new talent coming out of our colleges and universities, expose them to their industry and show them pathways where they can grow, and develop in a career that maybe they didn’t expect,” he said. Employers interested in enrolling their interns for this summer’s InternOKC program can do so by visiting abetterlifeokc.com/summerintern. The registration fee per intern is $150 for Chamber members and $250 for nonmembers. Thank you to Presenting Sponsor Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc.
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