By Kelsey Kendall
The Monarch Internship and Co-Op Office launched its new this semester to provide Ϲ students — whether on-campus or online — access to internship and work-based learning resources 24/7.
It is the latest step Barbara Blake, Ph.D., the office’s executive director, and her team have taken to support the University’s goal of ensuring every student graduates with an internship or other forms of work-based learning by 2027. The award-winning office has made strides in reaching that goal by acting as the “bridge builder,” Dr. Blake said, between students, faculty, regional employers and institutions to find and create those opportunities where possible.
Dr. Blake said grant funding has helped her team establish more than 100 new internships with organizations that previously could not support paid positions.
“That's what's so exciting, because that's the power of regional economic development entities and a large R1 university like Ϲ working together,” Dr. Blake said.
The virtual office offers on-demand resources like internship search tools and professional development guides, calendars of events, workshops, employer visits and support for online students. It also serves as a tool for faculty and employers looking to connect with the University’s students. It is meant to complement the services offered through the physical office located in Webb University Center.
“I think our funders know we are onto something, and if it prepares students and helps them tie into the Virginia economy or our regional economy, it’s a great thing,” Dr. Blake said.
This online expansion was possible through a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership grant to develop an online platform that can meet students where they are. It is also accessible to nearly 7,000 ϹGlobal students who are located all over the country. Even the Monarch Professional Attire Wardrobe (PAW), which provides professional wear like scrubs, suits or steel-toed boots, can be accessed by online students. Dr. Blake said the office can mail out clothing items to support students starting their new positions.
Internships and other work-based learning opportunities are curated in the virtual office for students to explore — some of which were established specifically for Ϲ students. Many are in the Hampton Roads region or virtual, which eases the burden of finding transportation or housing for students. Several opportunities are in regions where data shows there are pockets of ϹGlobal students, meeting them where they are to ensure they can find meaningful positions that prepare them for their chosen career paths after graduation, Dr. Blake said.
After about a month, the virtual office has approximately 1,100 users and has seen a solid engagement rate, Dr. Blake said.
Plans to expand the curated openings listed in the internship search tool are underway, and Dr. Blake continues to work with funders to ensure the office’s mission reaches those in the entire Ϲ community.