Entrepreneurs Talk Trade Tips and Internships

Shawn Kochhar, assistant editor

On Jan. 24, students and staff gathered in the North Mall Meeting Room to hear from three entrepreneurs who each own their own companies. They were business owners in the arts and humanities field. It was an opportunity for attendees to learn about how these entrepreneurs started their businesses, about their ideals and how they excel at what they do. It was also a way for students to learn about what employers are looking for in employees and interns as well as way for the employers to branch out to the community and answer questions from possible prospects.

Andre Luck, career services manager at PVCC, hosted the meeting. The panelists that attended  were Lorenzo Dickenson, filmmaker and social media marketer of Maupintown Media; Emily Morrison, co-founder and executive director of The Front Porch; and Matthew Gibson, executive director of Virginia Humanities.

This event  was a great way for students to learn about the mindset of employers who are looking to hire, the type of positions they are looking for, and the attitudes they seek in prospects. They are looking for hard working individuals that are open to learn new things, and have a fresh outlook on the world. This was also an opportunity for these employers to explain what they are searching for within their companies and search for interns who can help them continue to grow their company. An internship, most times unpaid, is a great way to develop skills in that field or into other fields student may be going into.

When asked about internships, Matthew Gibson said “If you are civically engaged and you are passionate about helping society, you can also go out and do volunteer work.”

“Follow your gift; your gift will make room for you,” said Lorenzo Dickenson.