Bringing together employers, educators, and community leaders to strengthen career pathways and student internship opportunities
Mary Baldwin University recently hosted a regional gathering focused on building stronger connections between higher education, workforce development, and economic growth in the Shenandoah Valley.
Hosted by the McCree Center for Career Success, the summit brought together business leaders, educators, economic development professionals, and students for a day of collaboration centered on one key idea: internships matter.
Held at the Blackburn Inn in Staunton, the event welcomed representatives from local businesses and organizations alongside higher education partners including Bridgewater College and Blue Ridge Community College.
Internships as a Talent Retention Strategy
Throughout the summit, speakers emphasized that internships are more than résumé-builders for students — they are an important strategy for retaining talent in Virginia and strengthening local communities.
Keynote speaker Kirk Cox, president of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, described internships as a bridge between academics and long-term careers.
“Internships are the way to close the gap between classroom learning and our students’ careers,” Cox said during the event.
Cox also referred to internships as “sticky pathways,” explaining that meaningful work experiences help students discover career directions that fit while encouraging them to stay connected to the regions where they study and work.
Connecting the Internship Summit to the Mary Baldwin Signature
The summit reflected many of the goals behind the Mary Baldwin Signature, since internships and work-based learning are increasingly tied to a larger student experience that emphasizes belonging, professional development, and hands-on learning opportunities from a student’s first year through graduation.
That work is closely connected to The Commons at Grafton Library, home to the McCree Center and a growing hub for advising, career planning, academic support, and student success initiatives.
By convening regional employers and educators for conversations about workforce readiness, MBU continues to position itself as an active partner in the economic and professional future of the Shenandoah Valley.
Regional Employers Share Internship Success Stories
Amanda Panarese, regional internship manager for InternshipsVA, shared practical examples of how internships are helping businesses across Virginia attract talent and build stronger workforce pipelines.
Her presentation highlighted organizations ranging from small rural financial services firms to manufacturing companies, automotive groups, and regional credit unions seeking stronger connections with local colleges and universities.
Panarese also discussed tools such as Handshake and InternshipsVA that help businesses and colleges create more accessible internship opportunities for students.
Building Stronger Pathways from Education to Employment
In addition to keynote presentations, attendees participated in panel discussions, collaborative working sessions, and strategy conversations focused on expanding internship opportunities throughout the region.
For Mary Baldwin University, the summit represented another step in strengthening partnerships that connect students with professional experiences, community engagement, and career opportunities that can shape the future of the region.