By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The River Region Chamber recently initiated its first ever internship program for area college students that are seeking to gain general experience in the areas of administration, marketing and communications.
Winfred “P.J.” Hills Jr., 23, is a senior at Southeastern Louisiana University. The mathematics major said he is participating in the program to learn practical skills that he wouldn’t learn with his major, since he plans to pursue a graduate degree in business administration. Hills will work to update the Chamber’s social media presence and create a LinkedIn profile for the organization.
“I thought it would provide excellent networking opportunities. Although being a mathematics major prepares your critical thinking and analytical skills, it doesn’t really prepare you for practical use of your skills, as in how would your skills translate to the work environment. It’s more abstract thinking,” said Hills.
Hills said he is participating to better himself and is not actually required to complete an internship to graduate.
Interns can benefit by networking with industry professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders in a variety of ways by working with organization volunteers and learning more about the operation of their local chamber of commerce. Interns must work a minimum of 10 hours a week.
Executive Director Chassity McComack said the program is a “win-win” situation for both interns and the Chamber, because interns can help the organization maintain an identity in the business community and among residents of the River Parishes.
“It’s a way to educate and bring awareness to our upcoming workforce that we’re here and give them opportunities with networking that they wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s connecting them with resources so they can develop relationships,” said McComack.
For more information about the program or to download an application, visit the Chamber website at www.riverregionchamber.org, or call the Chamber office at 985-359-9777.