BHSU-SEDC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OFF TO A STRONG START IN 2022

SPEARFISH - The first cohort of students in the BHSU-SEDC Workforce Internship Program are at work within the Spearfish business community this winter. Ten students pursuing degrees in areas such as business, education, and communications are working part-time this semester for a handful of local business including Children First, Dakota Electric, and All About Potential Chiropractic PC.

The internship program is a partnership between Black Hills State University (BHSU) and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to address both the high workforce needs of the Spearfish business community and low retention rates of BHSU graduates in the Spearfish area. Students earn academic credit for their internship experience as well as a competitive wage for their work. BHSU hopes to provide both students and employers with long-term sustainable employment within the Spearfish community, one student and business at a time.

BHSU’s new Career Development Director, Jin Woo Kim, has been tasked with implementing the internship program, working with students and businesses to create an experience that is rewarding for both sides. Originally from Sheridan, Wyoming, Kim studied at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and Kansas State University and worked for the University of Tampa as their Career Readiness Coach before coming to BHSU to head this new initiative. Kim encourages employers to reach out not only to get involved, but to support students at BHSU to stay in Spearfish and call the area their forever workplace and home.

Finance assistance is available through SEDC for qualified internship positions. Businesses interested in hiring a BHSU student as an intern are encouraged to begin by applying through SEDC.