The Workforce Innovation Center and The Leadership Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber recently held an interactive workshop focused on strengthening intern and co-op programs across the region. Led by Dr. Kevin Sansberry II, participants explored the Internship Impact Framework as a practical approach to designing more intentional, high-impact experiences for both organizations and emerging talent.
How Student Voices Shape Programs
The session opened with a student panel moderated by Preston Simon (University of Cincinnati, Lindner College of Business), grounding the discussion in real intern experiences. Students emphasized that clear expectations, meaningful work, connection, and strong support systems—especially mentorship—are what transform internships into career-shaping experiences.
These insights are reinforced by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which identifies internships as a critical bridge from education to career—supporting skill development, expanding networks, and increasing access to job opportunities. NACE research also shows that approximately 53% of eligible interns convert to full-time hires, highlighting the strategic value of well-designed programs.
Small Group Workshop: The Elements of Strong Internship Design
Participants then collaborated in small groups with facilitators from Fifth Third Bank, First Financial Bank, and the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, working through key questions to evaluate and strengthen their programs using the Internship Impact Framework.
The groups broke down their existing programs into three foundational components of strong internship design, evaluating themselves by asking a key question about each:
- Non-Negotiables: What’s the gap between what you say you offer and what interns actually experience?
- The Sauce (Differentiators): How are you showing your program’s unique value—not just telling it?
- The Purpose: How would you know if your internship is truly transformative—not just transactional?
What interns are asking for isn’t generational, it’s foundational. They want clarity, feedback, inclusion, and work that matters. Organizations that design programs with intention will be best positioned to convert interns into engaged, long-term talent.
Engaging Interns Beyond the Workplace
To further support intern engagement across the region, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber continues to cultivate connections through the Cincinnati Intern Network Connection Program (CINC). This program brings interns together from across organizations for professional development, networking, and community-building. By extending learning beyond the workplace, the CINC helps interns build relationships, strengthen their sense of belonging in the region, and envision long-term career pathways in Cincinnati.
Sign up or learn more about the Cincinnati Intern Network here
Take Action
Ready to strengthen your internship or co-op program? Start by evaluating your current experience using the questions above, and identify one area to improve in the next 30 days. Engage your interns directly for feedback, invest in mentorship, and align your program with your organization’s broader talent strategy.
Connect with the Cincinnati Regional Chamber and leverage opportunities like the Cincinnati Intern Network Connection (CINC) to further engage and retain top talent in our region.
References
National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2024). NACE’s guide to internships.
National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2024). Internship & Co-op Report.
By: Dominica Brantley
Manager of University Partnerships
Cincinnati Regional Chamber
