Event Details

Can an internship still be a win-win situation for both employers and students?  Historically, internships were heralded as a means for companies to accomplish additional work and recruit potential employees while students gained hands on learning experience. Lately, internships have hit the news in a negative light, showcasing lawsuits from interns accusing employers of using them as “free labor”.   Is this just media hype?  Do the benefits of an internship outweigh the risks?

 

Join us for this invoking panel discussion to help you determine whether an internship is right for your company.  Several past Internship providers will share their experiences with interns, along with their challenges and successes.  You’ll also learn how one college, FVCC, structures their internship programs and defines the differences between education and employment.  Additionally, there will be ample time for you to ask questions in this interactive session.

  

Karen Darrow, Flathead Valley Community College, has been involved in the academic side of internships for over 15 years.  One of her roles as FVCC’s Career Development Coordinator, is helping students in finding and getting set up in get students set up in internships sites, before they are assigned to faculty. Prior to becoming a centralized internship model, Karen acted as an adjunct internship instructor for the FVCC Business Department. 

 

Karen keeps abreast of the employment and internship field; legalities and best practices, through membership and attending various regional and national conferences such as the National Association of Colleges and Employers.  She has served on the Board of Directors of the Northwest Cooperative Education and Employment Association.  Karen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Montana.  She earned her graduate degree from Gonzaga University in Organizational Leadership.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors with her two dogs, whether that be walking in the woods, cross-country skiing or hanging out by the lake.   

 

Cindy Carpenter –

Cindy is the AVP Human Resource Manager for Aon National Flood Services and joined National Flood Service in 2009 following a 20+ year career in the banking industry. Cindy’s prior work experience includes 16 years in the Human Resource profession as well private training and business consulting.   She has a degree from the University of Montana in Business Education and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and most recently achieved the SRHM-SCP certification.

 

Cindy served on the Flathead County task force to hire the Superintendent of Schools and on the committee to assess high school curriculum. Cindy has served on the SHRM Board previously and is currently the Chapter Secretary.  She believes in giving back to her community and volunteers for a number of community activities such as the homeless shelter benefit, Salvation Army bell ringing, and other fund raisers.  As a SHRM Chapter member, she volunteers at local job fairs and resume reviews.

 

Cindy’s greatest passion is her family followed by her love of the sport of rodeo.

 

Joyce Bellwood –

Joyce is the Finance Manager for Nomad Global Communication Solutions in Kalispell and has over 25 years of experience in Director of HR, Controller and Assistant Controller positions.

 

Joyce graduated with honors from the University of Montana with a degree in Business Administration, with double majors in Finance and Human Resource Management and a minor in Economics.  She also obtained a Masters in Professional Accountancy from Montana State University.  Joyce has served on the local SHRM chapter boards in Bozeman and Kalispell, the State SHRM Council for one year while at the Yellowstone Club and is presently the State Council Legislative Chair.  She earned her CPA designation in 2001 and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) since 2003.

 

Joyce’s passion is helping people grow to their maximum potential.  She has four natural children, three adopted children and is presently raising her granddaughter, Gabbie, 14.

 

Cameron Erickson –

Cameron is the Recruiting Manager for Plum Creek. He joined Plum Creek as a Senior Recruiter in 2013 and was promoted to Recruiting Manager earlier this year. His team is responsible for filling over 300 positions annually from foresters to software developers to the skilled trades. Cameron has been instrumental in the continued growth and development of Plum Creek’s Forestry Matters internship program, growing the program to more than 50 interns nationally. His team’s efforts have supported a continued focus on hiring diversity candidates across more than 25 universities, resulting in twice as many diversity hires than industry norms.

 

Prior to Plum Creek, Cameron worked as an executive recruiter in the retail industry, performing senior level searches for national and international retail companies. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Psychology. He and his wife Katie have four children and he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, backpacking and good pizza.