Description

Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, September 16th
12:00 to 1:00pm

Workforce Development Series Event Pages

The Workforce Development Series is a three-part series focused on helping businesses, educators, and future professionals build stronger workforce connections in the Marshall area. Through conversations centered around internships, student experiences, and apprenticeship opportunities, this series will explore practical ways organizations can attract, develop, and retain future talent.

Part 2: Student Internship Perspective
Join us for the second session in the series as we hear directly from SMSU students about what creates a strong internship experience and how employers can better connect with future talent.

Students will share insights on what stands out in an internship opportunity, what encourages them to recommend organizations to peers, and what influences their decision to pursue full-time employment after graduation.

Meet the facilitator:
 

 Melissa Scholten

Melissa Scholten serves as the Director of Career Services and the Center for Civic and Community Engagement at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). Career Services offers comprehensive resources to support students and alumni in career development and employment, while the Center for Civic & Community Engagement connects academic programs with community needs for mutual benefit. A 2007 SMSU psychology alumna, Scholten earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Northwestern University and returns to SMSU after serving in leadership roles in Career Services at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She is passionate about helping students navigate a changing, technology-driven workforce through networking, strong résumés, and professional online presence.

Discussion Topics
• What students value in internships
• Creating meaningful workplace experiences
• Internship-to-employment opportunities
• Building stronger connections with young professionals

Coming Next in the Series

Part 3: Apprenticeships
Explore traditional and new apprenticeship models with local education and industry leaders and learn how apprenticeships can support long-term workforce development.

We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our 2025-2026 Lunch & Learn Sponsor 
 Southwest Initiative Foundation