Bring on the interns! Thanks to some amazing college internship programs, the Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau engages with students throughout the year. The start of summer semester brings a new group of student interns. “We have mentored over 54 students in the past 8 years,” said Amber Dobbins, CVB Operations/Membership Director. “We don’t just assign them projects, but they get real-world experience along with the mentorship to help them learn basics things like appropriate attire and interaction in a work setting, computer program shortcuts and tricks to make them more efficient, and even resume tips from the employer’s viewpoint. All critical knowledge for today’s competitive workforce,” Dobbins said.
Students come to the CVB from The Ohio State University, North Central State College, Pioneer Career and Technology Center, Ohio University, Bowling Green State University, and others. Students often start their time at the CVB with little tourism knowledge. The staff loves hearing them at the end of the semester comment how they didn’t know there was so much to do in town. Students get to see how deadlines, projects, and day-to-day tasks truly happen in a fast-paced industry like tourism. Internships are designed around each student’s major, so business and finance majors benefit right along with marketing and hospitality majors.
Click to Read Amber’s blog about the CVB’s internship experience and insight for those considering working with interns.
MEET OUR SUMMER INTERNS
Natalie Helenthal, Ashland University, majoring in Business Management.
She is also part of the Ashland University Track Team (Hammer Throw is her event). In fact, this past weekend she competed in a track meet full of talent including Olympic hopefuls, some actually qualifying for the Olympic trials during this event. Natalie also likes spending time at the lake with family. According to Natalie, “I really enjoy the atmosphere at CVB. The staff makes it easy to learn new things and they encourage me doing different things around the office that are completely different”.
Molly Kardasz, Ohio University, majoring in Journalism, specifically Strategic Communications with a specialization in Political Science. She aspires to attend law school. “The CVB continues to help me better my writing and communications skills in so many different ways by providing real-world experience that I know will benefit my future. The staff here is awesome and extremely helpful, which makes coming to work so enjoyable”. Molly loves to run, boat, and play with her dog.
Brigitte Meisse, Ohio University, majoring in Communication Studies with a certificate in Social Media. In the fall, she plans on picking up a double major in Journalism. Brigitte enjoys being a member of a ski club in Athens and she loves to travel. She grew up here in Ontario and is thrilled to be working at the CVB. “It allows me to learn more about opportunities in the area that I never even knew existed,” she said.