Troy University’s Career Services team hosted a Lunch & Lunch at the IDEA Bank on Feb. 25 that brought together faculty, industry partners and students for a conversation that centered on building high-quality internship experiences that benefit all involved.
More than 50 participants attended the session, held in collaboration with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. Representatives from companies located in Montgomery, Troy and Dothan attended.
“The primary goal of the session was simple but powerful: to intentionally bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness,” said Dr. Lane Boyte Chadwick, a professor of economics and finance who was one of the presenters.
“Throughout the discussion, we explored what a meaningful internship should include from the perspectives of faculty, students, and career services staff,” she said. “By aligning academic objectives, student learning outcomes, and employer needs, we can create internship experiences that offer real-world application of classroom knowledge while delivering measurable value to organizations.”
Chadwick was joined by faculty members Dr. Robert Mathner, Associate Director of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management; Dr. Raj Vinnakota, Interim Director of the Center for Materials Manufacturing Sciences; and Dr. Robbyn Taylor, Director of the Hall School of Journalism and Communications.
“Their perspectives highlighted how cross-disciplinary collaboration strengthens both student preparation and employer engagement,” Chadwick said.
Six young alumni spoke about their internship experiences with the State of Alabama, Yellawood, City of Dothan, Lockheed Martin, Brundidge Electronics, Build Additive and Enterprise Electronics.
“Events like this reaffirm Troy University’s commitment to experiential learning and to cultivating strong, strategic partnerships that support workforce development across our region,” Chadwick said.
Career Services also reinforced how employers are supported throughout the internship process. The team is available to:
- Review job or internship descriptions to ensure essential elements are included
- Identify the most aligned major(s) or academic programs
- Connect employers with appropriate faculty or department contacts
- Suggest additional strategies to reach qualified students
- Share employment and internship opportunities directly with students
Career Services is committed to making the recruiting process efficient, effective, and intentional.
