2023 Flintern program shapes students’ perceptions of Flint & Genesee

Having a summer internship is a crucial part of the college experience. Not only does it give students on-the-job training in their intended career field, but it is also a great way to experience what it is like to have a professional career and be a part of the business community.

One way that the Flint & Genesee Group helps achieve this exposure for college students is through Flinterns. This is a five-week program developed to give students the opportunity to network, explore the community, and take part in professional development.

“We are so happy to bring Flinterns back with double the number of participants we had in 2022,” says Brianna Mosier, director of organizational development at the Flint & Genesee Group. “The program helps shape the experience that students have in our community and provides local employers with the opportunity to give their students a broader experience.”

During the kick-off for the third year of the program, 48 students from across the country who are interning in Flint and Genesee County gathered downtown for a day-long excursion. The day was jam-packed with activities, tours, trainings, and networking.  

First, students gathered at 100k Ideas for some networking followed by a keynote by Eric Hultgren, director of social media and content marketing at MLive Media Group on “Building Your Personal Brand.” After the presentation, students climbed on two trolleys sponsored by Mass Transportation Authority Flint and headed to the Flint Institute of Arts where they went on a tour and met with Marissa Pierce, director of development at the institute.  

In the afternoon, participants enjoyed lunch and more networking at the Flint Farmers’ Market before heading to Factory Two where they were able to get creative and make their own Flinterns swag. The experience not only gave students a glimpse of the area, but it was also an opportunity to further their connection to Flint.  

“It was great to be able to meet people who are the heart of the community and make that connection with them,” says Joseph Johnson, who currently lives and Grand Blanc, attends school at the University of Michigan-Flint, and has been working in downtown Flint this summer. “I learned a lot about the city and the culture here that I didn’t know before.” 

When asked if this experience would help make his decision to stay in the area, Johnson agreed that it would. 

“Being able to tour the city and experience all it has to offer definitely changes my perspective,” says Johnson. “I helped shape my understanding of the community.” 

As a talent retention program, Flinterns aims to mold the perception of the community for college students interning here so that they can see opportunities in their chosen fields in Flint & Genesee.  

Participating employers include Genesee County Planning Commission, Crim Fitness Foundation, C.S. Mott Foundation, Genesee County Clerk, Genesee County Prosecutors Office, City of Flint, The Disability Network, Peckham, Inc., Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties, Genesee County Office of the Public Defender, Voices for Children Advocacy Center, Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village, Communities First, Inc., 100K Ideas, Rowe Professional Services, Inc., Michigan State University Flint Initiative Program, and the Flint & Genesee Group. 

Businesses interested in participating in future Flintern programs can contact Brianna Mosier at (810) 600-1451 or email BMoiser@FlintandGenesee.org.  

Earlier this year, the Flint & Genesee Group launched the Make Your Move talent attraction initiative to market the region to prospective residents and connect them with local employers and opportunities. To help share the region’s story, the Make Your Move blog shares the perspectives of various residents and community champions in Flint & Genesee. Recent posts include: Like a Local with Suzanne Maxwell Making Moves with Kara Kunkelman (pictured) Like a Local with Dylan Luna

Tim Herman’s guest column for the Flint Township View Last week, dozens of economic development, civic, and community advocacy leaders gathered in downtown Flint for the “Talent Attraction Summit.” This was a three-day event hosted by Iowa-based RoleCall, the consulting agency the Flint & Genesee Group worked with to develop the Make Your Move in Flint & Genesee talent attraction initiative. The event took a deep dive into topics covering everything from childcare to attracting and retaining veterans. It also provided an opportunity to showcase our community to attendees from as far away as California and Maine. Visitors were encouraged to participate in immersive experiences including a guided mural tour, lunch at the Flint Farmers’ Market, a mixology class at Drinks of Essence Bartending School, and dinner at the Flint Institute of Arts. One participant, from Alexandria, Virginia, said the city had surpassed his expectations. He hadn’t expected to see so much activity and was especially impressed by the robust art scene. I was proud to hear this, but I wasn’t surprised. READ MORE

All Andi Lau wanted was a place where her grandson, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), could be himself. “ The Flint Children’s Museum is where Noah learned to share and build things and play with other kids. That’s only been possible because there are so many great hands-on activities there and because the staff is very accepting of him,” said Lau, a retired teacher who lives in Fenton. At the Flint Children’s Museum and across Genesee County, businesses and attractions are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive region for all residents and travelers to enjoy and explore. READ MORE

July 10 | Lead Now Application Deadline July 12 | Chamber Luncheon July 20 | FGYP Presents: Level Up July 21 | African American Advisory Committee Meeting July 28-30 | Gus Macker presented by Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village

People and businesses on the move

About the Flint & Genesee Group
The Flint & Genesee Group supports the region through its commitment to developing business, talent, and place. The organization works to strengthen the Flint and Genesee County economy, and create a place where people thrive, and businesses invest and grow. Its programs and services are marketed through four divisions-Explore Flint & Genesee, the Flint & Genesee Chamber, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, and Flint & Genesee Education & Talent. For more information, visit FlintandGenesee.org, and check us out on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Image courtesy of Flint & Genesee Group and Shutterstock