Local students attending the University of Georgia are eligible to participate in paid summer internships with local businesses. The program, developed by the UGA Archway Partnership and the UGA Career Center, is part of the Pulaski County Archway Partnership’s strategy to encourage economic development and create a workforce pipeline for the future.

Local businesses Hardy Farms, Hollingsworth & Vose, Taylor Regional Hospital and D. M. Vickers & Associates are each providing an internship opportunity. These internships will run from Memorial Day to July 4 and will include coaching sessions to build high-demand career competencies like communication skills, critical thinking, professionalism and leadership skills.

“Hollingsworth & Vose Company in Pulaski County is excited to be a part of this program from Archway,” said Gary Sharpe, site manager for Hollingsworth & Vose. “We are looking forward to working with a student from right here in Pulaski County as our summer intern. We hope this can be a part of encouraging our local young adults to return here after they graduate and continue to grow the economy and workforce in the region.”

Applications are available to students on the student career website Handshake or contact Archway public relations coordinator Baker Owens (baker.owens@uga.edu) for more information. A preference will be given to all applications received by March 7.

This opportunity is open to all UGA undergraduate and graduate students who reside within geographic proximity of Pulaski County. Upon completion of the program, interns will be paid $5,000. Community members are invited to share the opportunity with UGA students in the area.

During the spring semester, applicants are eligible to receive résumé assistance and interview coaching from the UGA Career Center. The work will help applicants prepare for the internship interview as well as provide them with skills they can utilize in the future. Students will be asked to rank their internship employer preference and every effort will be made to match students with their preferred employers. Internship announcements will be finalized and awarded by April 1.

“I am excited to launch this new Archway internship program in Pulaski County,” said Michelle Elliott, Archway Partnership director. “Community members have fully supported the creation of this program as a way to attract and retain a quality workforce. And, there is no better way to accomplish this goal than by providing opportunities for local students to come back home and see the possibilities for their future.”

Once selected, students will be paired with a career mentor/supervisor on site for career exploration and career skills development. Interns will also build in-demand career competencies including communication skills, critical thinking, professionalism and leadership through a special series of weekly online workshops facilitated by the UGA Career Center and the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.

Interns will have the opportunity to connect with local UGA alumni through the UGA Mentoring Program and learn about community issues and opportunities by attending Archway Partnership meetings, civic club meetings and other community activities.

Writer: Baker owens, baker.owens@uga.edu

Contact: Michelle Elliott, mwe@uga.edu