The University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) have unveiled a new online tool to help small and medium-sized businesses recruit interns from UW campuses. The goal is to improve the student experience and keep skilled workers from leaving the state.
The “Talent Generator” is an online portal for businesses interested in starting internships for the first time. It offers business leaders tips and best practices for recruiting potential interns. It also offers links to career services staff at nearby UW System campuses.
During a press conference Tuesday in Eau Claire, UW System President Ray Cross said while UW schools already have strong internship opportunities, not all businesses are familiar with the process or have the means to find candidates.
“What we discovered was that businesses said to us, particularly small and medium businesses, we really don’t have an HR department,” said Cross. “And those are some excellent internship opportunities in startups or small businesses.”
Cross said about half of the students who receive internships at UW are offered full time jobs by the companies that recruit them. He said it’s one way to ensure that students graduating at UW institutions build lasting connections to Wisconsin.