Interns working together on economic development projects in Savannah.
Savannah State University is set to launch an innovative economic development internship program in May 2025. Designed for rising seniors, this program will blend academic theory with practical experience, providing valuable opportunities for networking and hands-on learning. Students participating in the internship will engage in local initiatives, work alongside seasoned professionals, and gain insights into the inner workings of key local organizations. The application process will commence in February 2025, with plans for potential expansion to other colleges in the region in the future.
Savannah State University (SSU) is kicking things up a notch with the launch of a brand new economic development internship program, which is truly the first of its kind in the area. This unique opportunity is set to start in May 2025 and looks to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical experience for one lucky rising senior. If all goes well, this internship can pave the way for exciting career paths and connections in the vibrant field of economic development.
Back in November, the Savannah City Council gave a big thumbs up to this initiative, which is a collaboration among SSU, the local city government, and various business organizations. The program is designed to be a warm welcome to future leaders of economic development — offering a hands-on experience that’s hard to beat.
Imagine spending ten weeks diving headfirst into the inner workings of the city’s economic development department, working alongside seasoned professionals who know the ropes. The intern will also get a front-row seat to the operations of influential local organizations such as the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Savannah Economic Development Authority. This means there are plenty of opportunities for networking and learning about how economic initiatives come to life.
One of the exciting aspects of this internship will be the responsibility to engage in a research project that directly supports local initiatives. The hope is that this hands-on experience will allow the student to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Savannah’s economy while also honing their research and analytical skills. It’s about turning knowledge into action!
But it doesn’t stop there. The intern will have the opportunity to shadow a small business, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of running a business. This kind of exposure is essential for aspiring entrepreneurs or anyone interested in economic planning and development.
SSU’s College of Business Administration, which is no stranger to innovation, already offers an entrepreneurship minor focused on fostering business-minded students. The upcoming internship is anticipated to provide a comprehensive understanding of economic development, making it an invaluable resource for students eager to explore job opportunities in this dynamic field.
Various local organizations, including the Georgia Ports Authority, Hyundai, Creative Coast, the Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will be involved in providing resources and insights for the intern. The involvement of such a diverse range of organizations promises a well-rounded experience.
As part of their internship journey, the intern is expected to have the chance to be scheduled on high-activity days. This exposure will allow them to see firsthand the multifaceted work that the Savannah Chamber does, learning how different entities work together to boost the local economy.
So, how can rising seniors get started on this thrilling opportunity? The application process will kick off in February 2025! Potential candidates will need to show their skills and ambitions – with a thorough review at SSU, followed by interviews involving team members from the economic development department. It’s a staircase to success, and those interested will certainly want to be on top of their game!
Looking ahead, there are ambitions to expand this internship program beyond just Savannah State University. Plans are already in the works to potentially replicate this model across other colleges in the region and even across the state. Imagine the possibilities as more students have the chance to engage in real-world experiences that could shape their careers!
With this new internship program, Savannah State University is not just creating opportunities in the community; it’s shaping the future of economic development in Savannah. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, for ambitious students, this could be the opening door to a bright future!
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