News Releases for September 2004
September 15, 2004
Contact: James Burgum, Youth Initiatives, Office of the Governor, (701) 328-2200
Statewide Internship Program Promotes Jobs And Career Opportunities
Operation: Intern Sending CD To 800 North Dakota Businesses
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven, North Dakota University System Chancellor Dr. Robert Potts, and other officials today demonstrated a statewide internship program developed to link students with jobs and career opportunities in North Dakota. The program, Operation: Intern, is a result of legislation Hoeven introduced during the 2003 Legislative Session to set up a statewide internship program in partnership with public and private sector employers.
In 2003, Hoeven hired James Burgum, a graduate of North Dakota State University, a former intern and student body president, to coordinate the internship program.
“James has really pulled everyone together to get the job done,” Hoeven said. “Operation: Intern has been developed in partnership with the North Dakota University System, Board of Higher Education, Association of Career Service Professionals, North Dakota Student Association, Youth Development Council, Job Service, Department of Commerce and Workforce Development Council. Everyone has participated in the task of building this statewide internship program.”
According to Hoeven, the goal of the Operation: Intern program is to expand the number of internships available and to link students to careers and job opportunities in North Dakota.
Operation: Intern resources and tools available to accomplish this goal include:
- CD tool kit showcasing why internships benefit students and employers
- Internship guides for employers at www.ndinterns.com
- Internship postings at www.ndinterns.com
- Mentor Center of experienced individuals willing to help employers establish internships
“Operation: Intern is yet another example of what can be accomplished when key leaders come together to address an issue important to our state,” Potts said. “We’ve developed an internship program that will broaden the educational experience, help retain our well-educated young people and increase the probability they will remain in North Dakota to pursue their careers. This is one of the greatest needs and most promising opportunities for the future of North Dakota.”
Nearly 800 North Dakota businesses will receive the CD tool kit outlining step-by-step instructions and information on how to establish an internship program. College students from Grand Forks, Fargo and Bismarck are contacting each of the business owners to answer questions and offer insights on the benefits of an internship program.
“Internship opportunities are a highly effective way to provide real-world experience while providing businesses with fresh ideas,” said Burgum. “Operation: Intern drives home the message of opportunity and jobs in North Dakota. We are working to raise awareness that internships are worthwhile, valuable and effective.”
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