LEWISTON — The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and Bates College are partnering for a first-of-its-kind mixer to connect local businesses who need help with college students who need experience.
In bigger cities, those sort of matches happen naturally all the time, said Colleen Coxe, senior associate director of employer and alumni relations at the Bates Career Development Center.
“A small school like Bates and a small town like Lewiston I think it’s just not as obvious but I think there are plenty of opportunities,” she said.
The event, hosted by the chamber, BCDC and the Harward Center for Community Partnerships, is being held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Baxter Brewing.
More than a dozen business have registered to come, companies such as St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Auburn Manufacturing and TD Bank. The whole of the Bates student body is invited.
“For about six months we’ve been doing a lot more stuff with Bates,” said chamber President Chip Morrison. That’s included tours that draw students downtown in May and September. This event fits in, he said, with working more together.
It’s billed to highlight jobs, internships and volunteer partnership opportunities. Sophomore and juniors are probably most interested in internships, Coxe said. They aren’t required at the college, though Bates recently started offering credit for internships, something she hopes opens more doors.
“We know that there are a lot of internships that are great that are with small businesses that can’t really swing even minimum wage,” she said. “Students are very anxious for all kinds of experience. They’re willing to do it as long as employers are willing to be flexible with them.”
There’s a huge range of interest among students, Coxe said, from clinical health to marketing. The right connection could help build a student’s resume and professional skills, and it might entice some to stay.
“It could just create some connections that makes them think about (the city) in a different way,” she said. “There are some very bright students at Bates who have some really interesting ideas who may or may not ever think to stay in Maine to pursue those.”
If it’s successful, she hopes to see the event held at least once a year.
Businesses looking to register can contact the Bates Career Development Center at 786-6233.
kskelton@sunjournal.com
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