Works
Prepared by:
Amy Odom - Business Career Services
Jennifer Shaffer - Career Development Center
Works
Overview
“Cultivating professional opportunities for students and positive economic impact for regional employers”
AppState Works is a program designed to prepare students for the professional world through a variety of experiential education opportunities
As an AppState Works Associate, students will participate in year-round professional development programming, networking events and a paid 10- week internship with a regional employer
This proposal not only satisfies the award criteria for the Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars Program, it also aligns with the five goals in the Academic Affairs Strategic Plan and all of the University’s Strategic priorities.
Works Strategic Partners
Boone, Caldwell and Catawba Chambers
Career Services
Career Development Center Business
Company Employers & Business Owners
Through strategic partnership among the Career Development Center, Business Career Services and local chambers, AppState Works can provide a robust development program for students and strengthen talent pipelines for local companies and business owners
Student recruitment, leadership training and professional development workshops can be executed by the career services teams while the chambers can support employer attraction and participation
These strategic partnerships meet the following award criteria:
Building collaborative teams that create capacity for continued scholarship and activities beyond the time frame of this award
Supporting partnerships with community, industry and local organizations
Providing community and societal benefits
Target Industries
Based on key industries within Western NC, target employers will be identified to participate in AppState Works. Key companies will be located within a 25 mile radius of Boone and/or Hickory metro area to accommodate in-person and/or hybrid work models for students.
Works Associates Program
A competitive, 10-week program that includes a paid industry internship and opportunities to build your network, enhance your professional development, engage in the community, and explore Western NC as a place to thrive as a young professional
Program Components
Gain industry experience through a paid internship
2-day leadership training (Truist
Emerging Leaders Certification)
Ongoing professional development workshops
Network with business and community leaders throughout the High Country and Hickory area
Engage with other AppState Works Associates
Works Associates Program
Truist Emerging Leaders Certification
The Truist Emerging Leaders Certification focuses on the self-awareness necessary to lead others more effectively. After completing the program, participants will be equipped with practical tools and strategies for overcoming leadership shortcomings discovered during the sessions The Truist Leadership Model serves as the foundation of this highly interactive certification program
Program Outcomes
Understand the relationships among beliefs, motivations, behaviors, and results.
Articulate their leadership communication preference when they are, and are not, in stressful situations
Distinguish and apply appropriate leadership communication strategies for different situations
Practice communication skills in a way that enhances relationships
Develop a Leadership Purpose that reflects their leadership goals and will influence their journey as a leader.
Create a personal action plan that will outline behavioral changes to make their leadership more effective
Upon completion, participants receive an electronic certificate that may be shared on LinkedIn, and on resumes
Audience: Undergraduate and graduate students
Duration: 4 hours live online or flexible
Location: College/university campus
Works
Application Process
Employers may post internships through Handshake, App State’s preferred career management system Students are provided access during their academic careers as well as an alumni to search and apply for positions
01
Timeline
Applications will be available on a rolling basis Deadlines will be set by each employer and may vary depending on recruitment timelines
02
Materials
Each employer may ask for a variety of application materials Be prepared to submit a resume, cover letter or other materials such as a transcript, writing sample or references
03
Resources
Career Development Center and Business Career Services are available for students to make an appointment or drop in to meet with a career coach Meetings can cover resume review, cover letter writing, search strategies or interview skills
Works
Job Description
AppState Works partners with employers in the High Country and Hickory metro area to provide paid, summer internships to local students Internships are provided in a variety of areas such as business, technology, construction, non-profit, education, healthcare and more
The Associates Program is a competitive, 10-week program that includes a paid industry internship and opportunities to build your network, develop professionalism, interact with the local community and find your fit as a new professional in Western NC
ToQualifyfortheAssociatesProgramStudentsMust:
View postings on job board and apply in Handshake
Basis from September - March
1 Currently attend Appalachian State University (Boone or Hickory campus, online or Project Kitty Hawk)
2 Be in good academic and conduct standing
3 Commit to participating in AppState Works programming
4. Remain in good standing with the hiring employer for the duration of the internship
All internships will be filled on a rolling basis Pay attention to the post and expiration dates Be sure to check the job board frequently and be sure to apply to any and all internships that interest you and for which you are qualified
If you accept an internship through AppState Works, you will become a Program Associate In addition to your internship you will attend several events, trainings and workshops with your cohort throughout the program Workshops, Trainings & Networking
Timeline
Spring 2025
Establish working group to develop program considering all stakeholders that may be impacted
Summer 2025
Develop wish list of employer partners and marketing strategy /materials.
Develop student program and schedule. Create marketing strategy/materials. Begin employer outreach with program invitations
Fall
Launch phase 1 of student marketing plan- general program education with info sessions. Continue employer outreach to build partner list. Post internship positions for application
Works Program | Kickoff
Continue posting internship applications. Implement phase 2 of student marketing- recruit student applications, employer campus visits to promote.
participants | Program assessment and determine adjustments if needed
Works
Sample Program
