Chamber hosts summer events for interns

HUNTSVILLE – According to the U.S. Department of Education, hiring interns offers numerous benefits to a company and the intern.

For the intern, the position gives a student real-life, real-time experience in an industry; they work alongside seasoned professionals who are valuable assets in teaching young professionals how to interact with coworkers in a corporate or team environment.

The experience also exemplifies what it means to be held accountable for their work.

In addition to the obvious experience one gains from an internship, interns are exposed to a real-world network of business leaders and contacts who are often movers and shakers in their industry.

Ultimately, internship boosts experience and builds a resume.

For the company, interns help build a larger, more efficient workforce and, in today’s competitive workplace, give a tremendous boost to recruitment efforts.

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s GO Rocket City! Get Onboard program, in partnership with FuelAL and Innovate Alabama, encourages companies to send their interns out into the marketplace. There, they can connect with each other, learn more about the community, and discover career opportunities.

“Whether these students are visiting home for the summer or they’re new here, we want them to consider returning to the Huntsville area after graduation,” said Lyndsay Ferguson, the Chamber’s vice president of Workforce. “We are excited for our young talent to learn about all the great opportunities our community has to offer – and we encourage them to spread the word and invite a friend.”

Chamber GO Rocket City! events for interns are free, but registration is required.

• Tuesday – Breakfast Talk with Doc Rock
  Held at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber at 225 Church Street.
  This event offers summer interns and co-op students the opportunity to hear from Dr. Karockas Watkins, CEO/president & executive director of Ability Plus. He will share his expertise and best practices regarding work culture, conflict management, and workplace communication.
  Check-in and breakfast is at 7:30 a.m.; the program is from 8-9 a.m. Click here to register by Monday.
• Saturday – Intern Service Day
  This is an opportunity for interns to volunteer at the third annual Northwood Family Fair at Calvary Hill Park, 2800 Poplar Ave., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Through a partnership with Village of Promise, this event includes water inflatables, foam parties, face painting, a dunk tank, a petting zoo, games, music, a fish fry, and more! Register here by Monday.
• July 19 – Coffee Club Meetup
  This intern networking event will be held at Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro, 415 Church Street, from 7:30 – 9 a.m. Click here to register by July 18.