Training Springfield’s Future Workforce: The Magnify Internship Program

In today's competitive job market, cultivating a well-prepared workforce is more crucial than ever. Recognizing this, the Greater Springfield Partnership has taken proactive steps to address local businesses' challenges by investing in the next generation of talent. The Magnify Internship Program is a shining example of this commitment, providing young people with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed while helping local businesses develop a reliable pipeline of future employees.

A Comprehensive Approach to Career Readiness

The Magnify Internship Program is a comprehensive approach to workforce development. This year, 41 students were accepted into the program, each receiving tailored guidance and support to prepare them for the professional world. The program kicked off with a Training Day on April 11 at the Brinkman Education Center, where students attended three sessions designed to equip them with essential skills:

• Money management and life skills: Focused on financial literacy and soft skills, this session ensured that students were ready to earn money and knew how to manage it effectively.
• How to get a job: From resume building to application tips, this session covered the essentials of job hunting, helping students present themselves as strong candidates.
• How to keep a job: Interview preparation and workplace etiquette were the focus here, giving students the tools to land a job and thrive in it.

Partnering with Clothes That Work, supported by grant funding from The Springfield Foundation, the program also provided free interview clothing to students, ensuring they looked the part when stepping into the professional world. This attention to detail was noticed by Laura Hart, Director of Education and Outreach at Clothes That Work, who praised the program, saying, “The student interns participating in the program are learning valuable skills to prepare them for future employment, and the program is a wonderful asset to Clark County. It was an honor to participate in this event and work with Kaitlyn Tyler and the Greater Springfield Partnership.”

Tailored Experiences for Lasting Impact

One of the standout features of the Magnify Internship Program is its personalized approach. Talent and Education Coordinator Kaitlyn Tyler met individually with each student, using YouScience Results—a tool that helps students discover their natural aptitudes—to match them with companies for interviews. These results ensured that each student was pursuing opportunities aligned with their strengths and genuinely interested in the companies they chose to interview with.

They brought these efforts to fruition on May 2, 2024, Interview Day. Held at the Clark County Educational Service Center, students had the chance to interview with up to three companies. These interviews, which started early in the morning and continued throughout the day, were a gateway to meaningful career exploration.

Employers who participated in the program quickly acknowledged the value it brought to their businesses. The Food Safety Coordinator at Woeber Mustard Manufacturing Company shared, “Internships allow the youth of our community to experience what fields may be in their neighborhoods so that we can retain them in our community. We can provide them with valuable information, job experience, and goals for their future.”

The Ripple Effect: Strengthening the Local Economy

The impact of the Magnify Internship Program extends beyond the individual students—it is a vital tool for strengthening the local economy. By providing young talent with early exposure to real-world job experiences, the program helps keep skilled workers in the area, ensuring local businesses have access to a reliable and well-trained workforce.

Christina Walters, CEO of Night Dispatch LLC, has seen the program's benefits firsthand, stating, “The students from the Magnify program have been some of the best staff I have ever had the pleasure of working with. This strategic advantage has significantly set us apart from our competitors.”

The program's success is evident not only in the feedback from employers but also in the placements of students across various organizations, including Springfield Kiwanis, Clark Shawnee Local Schools, United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties. These placements attest to the program's ability to connect motivated students with businesses eager to invest in their future.

A Bright Future for Springfield

The Greater Springfield Partnership has demonstrated its commitment to building a robust workforce through the Magnify Internship Program. By prioritizing the development of young talent, the program ensures that Springfield will continue to be a destination for businesses seeking a reliable and well-prepared workforce. As Jody Gump of WesBanco aptly put it, “The Magnify Internship Program training day is a wonderful opportunity for local students to get access to those opportunities and to be able to connect with local leaders.”

As the program continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of Springfield, providing young people with the skills they need to succeed and businesses with the talent they need to thrive.