FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS
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EMPLOYERS: How important are internships in building a pipeline of local talent?
Scott Anderson, Senior Software Engineer Manager, IBM
Christa Holmen, Talent Acquisition Manager, Knutson Construction
Internships offer students valuable, hands-on experience that helps them understand what it means to work professionally in the community they are familiar with. This early engagement not only supports career development but also strengthens their connection to the community, increasing the likelihood they’ll remain post-graduation. For organizations, internships provide a strategic advantage by attracting talent already invested in the area, reducing reliance on national recruitment and improving workforce retention. This approach fosters long-term stability and contributes to broader economic development.
For companies who focus on promoting within, this is the perfect opportunity to teach students both business acumen and skills they will need to be successful at starting their career. Interview once, hire twice meaning the goal of an internship is to convert top talent into full-time positions. There is importance with diversity of thought so I would not limit the internship to only local talent / schools.
University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) is expanding partnerships with organizations in Rochester and beyond to grow our diverse portfolio of internship offerings for all students. Our evidence-based approach to internships supports student success. Internships help students 1) explore and make decisions about their career options, 2) gain relevant competencies and skills for personal, professional, and career growth, 3) gain insights into industry and market trends for career decision-making, and 4) gain a chance at competitive entry-level jobs. In fact, research indicates that students who complete paid internships are more likely to earn higher wages compared to peers in unpaid experiences. At UMR, internships are a non-negotiable best practice. We are grateful to our industry and community partners for their continued commitment to mentoring UMR student interns. Employers who want to offer internships but are concerned about capacity or resources can start with low-stakes, high-impact opportunities such as job
6 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — OCTOBER 2025
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