Ohio University and the Ohio Department of Development announced today that they are partnering to provide export training to students, who can then use their knowledge to help Southeast Ohio businesses strengthen their export programs, through the Ohio Export Internship Program (OEIP).
Beginning spring semester 2023, OHIO’s College of Business will begin offering an export-focused class that will transition to experiential learning opportunities through export-related internships within small-to-medium-sized Ohio companies. As part of the program, students will also be enrolled in the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) Student Pathway Program in preparation to complete the Certified Global Business Professional micro-credential.
“The College of Business is committed to making a societal impact in Southeast Ohio by ensuring the next generation of business professionals possesses the vital knowledge and skills in exporting operations,” College of Business Dean Jackie Rees Ulmer said. “Ohio University is well-positioned to provide such experiences, both in the classroom and in the field, through the expertise of its world-class faculty and its established internship ecosystem.
The Ohio Export Internship Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Export and International Engagement.
“Experiential learning is critical to the value proposition that we have made with our undergraduate Business Bobcats,” Jim Strode, Ph.D., director of Undergraduate Programs in the College of Business, said. “Through the Ohio Export Internship Program, we are providing real-world global experiences for our students here in the Appalachia region.”
Since the program launched in 2012, 411 students have helped 232 Ohio companies improve their export programs. The interns’ work has resulted in 400 new international markets, distributors, or customers for participating companies. Development reimburses companies for half of the summer interns’ wages. The highly successful program has led to 136 internships being extended at company expense and 69 new full-time jobs at the companies.
Ohio University is one of two universities being added to the Ohio Export Internship Program this year. Bowling Green State University is also being added; both universities will join four others that already are part of the program: The Ohio State University, Cleveland State University, the University of Dayton and Youngstown State University.
“We’re pleased that we are able to extend the reach of this internship program,” Development Director Lydia Mihalik said. “Ohio is now the ninth largest exporting state in the nation, and our goal is to help companies enter export markets so Ohio-made products get in the hands of more international customers.”
Applications to OHIO’s OEIP are now open and will be accepted through October 16. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more and apply online.