COLUMBUS — Ohio small businesses, students, educators and government officials recently gathered at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium to celebrate the accomplishments of the Ohio Export Internship Program.
This program, a partnership between the Ohio Development Services Agency, the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and Youngstown State University Williamson College of Business, is designed to help Ohio companies increase global sales.
“Ohio companies have world-class goods and services to offer international buyers,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. “Through this program, Ohio students have helped small businesses compete in a global marketplace.”
“(Cox-Colvin & Associates Inc.) definitely had me involved on all levels of exporting, both with the research, sales and contacting distributors worldwide,” said Michael Osborn, recent intern for Cox-Colvin & Associates Inc.
The program combines a spring semester, export-focused course with a paid summer internship focusing on export sales growth. Students are matched with Ohio companies to help grow their exports.
“This nationally recognized program shows how collaboration between universities, our state and the business community creates greater impact for all,” said Dr. Michael V. Drake, president of the Ohio State University.
“We’re extremely thankful,” said Robin Gentry McGee, president and CEO of Nutritional Medicinals LLC. “And we would definitely look at hiring someone with the skillset this program offers.”
“This program provides a unique opportunity for our undergraduate students,” said Jim Tressel, president of Youngstown State University. “They receive real, global business experience, while learning first-hand from senior executives across Ohio.”
Since starting with nine students in 2012, the Ohio Export Internship Program has graduated 144 students and generated $19 million in estimated export sales for Ohio companies. To date, it has also led to 17 full-time job offers and 34 extended internships.
For information about the Ohio Export Internship Program, visit www.eip.development.ohio.gov.
