Live, Learn, and Intern

Entry by Kelly Arnold, Workforce Development Assistant, Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce

The Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce Graduate Retention Program recently capped off a summer-long series of events called Live, Learn, and Intern. These events were specifically designed to bring employers and interns alike together at unique local hot spots in the Fort Wayne and surrounding area. Interns from Navistar, ITT Communications Systems, Raytheon, Vera Bradley, and many others were able to see firsthand what the region had to offer in the area of entertainment, and employers (specifically HR personnel) had the chance to interact with their staff on a more personal level. These events were highly successful with great attendance and overall wonderful feedback. 

These events, under the guidance of GRP’s own summer intern Andy Schemm, were held at The Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Crazy Pinz, Canlan Ice Sports, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, Fort Wayne Tin Caps, River City Complex, and a final end of summer reception at Sycamore Hills Country Club. During these events, we found that the interns took full advantage of these opportunities to meet new people, and really saw what Fort Wayne and the surrounding area is all about. Many of these interns came from out of town, and without these events, would never have been able to experience these unique opportunities.

During the final event at Sycamore Hills Country Club, individuals were able to give feedback about each event. The Graduate Retention Program hopes to take all this valuable information and use it to continue to develop the Live, Learn, and Intern program further each year. Many interns have already expressed interest in attending next summer’s Live, Learn, and Intern events, which is very exciting.  The goal of these events is always to bring awareness of the quality of life one can expect if they ultimately decide to call Northeast Indiana home. Planning is already underway for next year’s event, and we look forward to seeing some wonderful people again. For more information, please contact the Graduate Retention Program at grp@fwchamber.org.