Ohio Export Internship Program Empowers Future Business Leaders and Expands Global Markets

Students gain real-world experience while helping Ohio companies explore new international opportunities

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Ohio Export Internship Program continues to deliver success, as 58 students from six universities across Ohio recently completed summer internships with some of the state's most innovative companies.

"Through the Ohio Export Internship program, the Ohio Department of Development is empowering the next generation of Ohio's workforce by providing opportunities, guidance, and real-world experience," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. "We are ensuring our state remains competitive, innovative, and resilient, and this program shows what we can achieve when we invest in our young talent."

The program has a proven track record. Over its 13 years, OEIP has facilitated 524 student-business matches, resulting in 174 internship extensions and 95 full-time job offers. Ohio companies have expanded into 450 new international markets thanks to the program's impact.

2024 Program Fosters Growth and Opportunity

The students, having completed export-focused coursework, were matched with businesses based on their skills and interests for 12-week internships designed to provide hands-on experience in global trade. This year's partner universities included The Ohio State University, Youngstown State University, Cleveland State University, the University of Dayton, Bowling Green State University, and Ohio University.

Throughout the summer, businesses worked closely with interns to develop new export strategies and expand into international markets. Companies ranged from a premium pet food manufacturer and a leader in ignition control systems to a producer of fire training systems. Participating businesses received up to 50 percent reimbursement for intern wages, while students were paid full-time wages as employees.

Keystone Threaded Products in Valley View, Ohio was among the businesses participating in this year's internship program. The company was matched with Cleveland State University student Hannah Siy, who helped prepare a market study of two international markets for potential outsourcing of products.

"Hannah is a great addition to our culture. She walked us through the international market analysis that we've never done before, and she really laid the groundwork for further development," said Josh Tarpy, Keystone's director of sales. "We have a great tool that we can now utilize to make some decisions about what we might want to do with our products and some of these overseas markets."

Siy, a junior studying operations and supply chain management, says the program gave her invaluable hands-on experience that complemented her classroom learning.

"I gained valuable insights into how a family-owned company remains resilient within the competitive construction industry," said Hannah Siy. "I believe that the export course prepared me with the necessary knowledge and resources needed to conduct comprehensive international market research."

Recently, the 2024 OEIP cohort was recognized at the "Global Trade in Action: Highlighting Ohio Exporters" event at the Ohio Statehouse. Organized by The Ohio State University's Center for International Business Education and Research, the event celebrated the students' achievements, alongside their families, business mentors, and program leaders.

Pictured: Class of 2024 Ohio Export Internship Program with Development's Small Business Development Center staff and university partners.

The OEIP not only creates opportunities for current participants but also builds lasting careers. Take Teddi Kinsey, who attended this year's graduation ceremony to support her sister, Kodi Kinsey, who interned at Kirila Fire Training Facilities. Teddi, a 2022 program participant, interned at Taylor-Winfield Technologies and was eventually hired full-time as Marketing Coordinator.

"As a student, I didn't exactly know what kind of career I was looking for, but I knew I wanted something in business and international trade, so the thought of participating in the OEIP over the summer was enticing to me," said Kinsey. "As I started working at Taylor-Winfield Technologies, I ended up loving it. I loved the people there; they were able to help me flourish."

Apply Now for 2025

The Department of Development has spent more than a decade helping businesses navigate international markets while providing students with invaluable hands-on experience. Applications are now open for companies interested in participating in the program.

Companies participating in the program must provide the following:

• Strategic commitment to grow an export market
• Existing or planned export budget
• Intern workload focused on exporting
• Managerial guidance for the intern
• Compensation for internship position: full-time wages as an employee (W-2) for 12 weeks over the summer
• Benefits and paid time off are not required, but companies must comply with federal, state and local laws
• Participation in program evaluation

For more information, and to apply, visit EIP.development.ohio.gov

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.