Walla Walla University students were given the chance to meet on campus with 22 employers from the Walla Walla area to discuss available internships and possible future job positions at the WWU Local Internship Meet-Up. 

The Internship Meet-Up took place Oct. 10 in the Alaska Room of Kellogg Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with well over 100 students in attendance. Employers said that they each spoke with around 30 students throughout their time spent at the event. 

Companies from all over the Walla Walla Valley participated, including Fort Walla Walla Museum, Columbia REA, the Sustainable Living Center, the City of Walla Walla, Blue Mountain Humane Society, Walla Walla YMCA, and SonBridge Community Center.

The Internship Meet-Up was coordinated by Darel Harwell, WWU employer relations coordinator. “The main goal of this event was to give WWU students more opportunities to find internships with local businesses,” said Harwell. “We want students to be able to complete their required internships here, locally, while they are in school.” 

Many WWU students appeared to be taking full advantage of the opportunities at the Internship Meet-Up and could be seen speaking with company representatives, collecting business cards, and asking questions.

Caleb King, junior accounting major, said he spoke with representatives from Columbia REA, a local electric utility company. “I came here today because I am interested in finding an accounting internship somewhere in town,” said King. 

Another student, Ella Meeks, said that she was interested in working with the Walla Walla YMCA. “I am a freshman business management major,” said Meeks. “I need to find an internship, and it is never too early to start looking and see what’s out there.” 

The Internship Meet-Up is a new event on the WWU campus. Harwell’s idea to place students face-to-face with employers in order for students to learn, develop necessary skills, and put themselves in better positions to succeed was, in itself, a success.

Posted Oct. 24, 2018