FLINT, Michigan — The Flint & Genesee Group is helping build a thriving workforce pipeline in Flint by kicking off their 'Flintern' professional summer program on June 23.
The summer internship experience is an initiative launched through The Flint & Genesee Group, an organization dedicated to economic and community growth through collaborative partnerships, to increase talent attraction and retention efforts in the Flint and Genesee County community.
“One opportunity we’ve identified is working with individuals who intern in the community. We believe that college students and recent graduates are more likely to start their careers here when they can envision opportunity in their chosen fields, develop connections, find resources, and experience what makes Flint and Genesee a great place to live, work and play,” said Brianna Mosier, Director of Organizational Development for the Flint & Genesee Group.
By participating in the program, Flint interns will have the opportunity to build relationships and network with professionals while obtaining important soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace. It will also aim to provide a better understanding of the opportunities that currently exist for them in Flint and Genesee County.
According to Mosier, the intern program will feature two key elements – a professional development webinar series and a day-long, immersive experience focused on networking, learning, and exploring. After participating, it is expected that interns will walk away with a better understanding of their professional strengths and the skills needed to successfully operate in the workforce. They will be exposed to different communities within the Flint area as well as “the potential that exists right here in our community.”
This will be The Flint & Genesee Group’s second year hosting the Flintern program. However, because the program began in the middle of the pandemic last year, the organization looks forward to offering a more intimate, in-person experience for interns.
“Given the pandemic, last year’s experience was held mostly in a virtual setting. This year, we’re excited to offer the kick-off event – a one-day immersion event spent visiting local attractions, hearing from local speakers, and networking with other interns – in person,” said Mosier.
The Flint & Genesee Group is currently looking for employers planning to bring on interns this summer who would benefit from participating in the Flintern experience.
“The employers play such a critical role in providing their interns with on-the-job experience in their desired field. Our program aims to enhance this experience by giving interns the opportunity to learn more about important skills to succeed in the workplace. They will be invited to participate in a webinar series designed just for them that covers topics such as the art of leadership, taking ownership of your success, communication, and contributing to inclusive work environments,” said Mosier.
While The Flint & Genesee group reports that increasing net-in migration is a common problem across the state, they recognize that a local talent shortage may impede the region’s economic future. To mitigate this, initiatives like Flinterns are expected to help achieve the organization's goal of making Genesee County a top-five community in Michigan based on jobs, talent, livability, and equity by 2040.
“To recognize Genesee County as a place where our young workforce can be successful, we must help foster the relationships that they need to succeed, with both our region’s young professionals’ network and area employers,” said Mosier. “The better we do that, the more likely these young people are to stay and start their careers here.”
If you are interested in enriching your students’ summer experience, visit: flintandgenesee.org
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