Talented minority students at NKU have the opportunity to interact and network with companies through a program called INROADS, an international non-profit organization that secures professional internships for college students.
The organization has affiliations in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and throughout the United States.
In 2001, INROADS developed a partnership with NKU through the College of Business.
The organization consists of approximately 7,000 high school and college students, and has a partnership with over 900 corporate clients. Some of the corporations include: Scripps Howard, Procter ‘ Gamble, Fifth Third, Convergys, Cincinnati Bell, U.S. Bank, Nabisco, GE Capital, Ethicon Endo-Surgery and Delphi Interior ‘ Lighting.
INROADS helps interns develop corporate leadership skills and find jobs in their fields immediately upon graduation.
Ayanna R. Terry, admissions counselor for Multicultural Recruitment, interned as a sales manager with Lazarus from 1992 to 1995 in the men’s and juniors’ department
“[Without INROADS] I don’t think I would have received the development that I needed in corporate America,” Terry said. “I would not have developed a relationship with my corporate sponsor that enabled me to get my first job.”
Terry said that while she was an intern, her goal was to “achieve academically, network with and learn from…corporate figures.”
INROADS students are required to attend a two-day Leadership Development Institute (LDI), in addition to training programs throughout the summer.
LDI provides workshops that help students become comfortable with public speaking, interviewing and communicating.
Tommie Lewis Jr., professional development specialist of INROADS and alumnus, said, “INROADS provided personal advisement and a network to establish a career of my choice. I am confident that NKU will provide the same for other minorities at NKU and other campuses.”
Terry advises anyone interested in the organization to research the INROADS program, excel academically and to be focused on career aspirations.
Over the past five years, nearly 90 percent of graduating INROADS interns have accepted offers for full-time employment from their sponsoring companies.
Currently, four INROADS interns attend NKU.
Internships are available for students in many majors. Participants must meet and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8.
For additional information on INROAD, visit www.inroads.org or call (859) 572-6134.