PYP seeks employers for internship program

The Pensacola Young Professionals are seeking potential employers for its summer internship program, Internship Pensacola.

PYP launched the popular program in 2007. It has linked talented, highly-qualified young people with the top businesses in this community. The first chairperson of the program was Leslie Cagle, now wife of State. Rep. Clay Ingram.

“It’s a great opportunity to create a talent pool,” Leslie Cagle told Inweekly when PYP announced the initiative nine years ago. “Our internship program gives us a chance to retain and attract talented people in Pensacola. Having local talent is as important for the community as it is for local businesses; it’s time we stopped exporting our greatest resource, our young talent.”

The program is a win-win for the community. Students receive invaluable, real-world work experience and the chance for subsequent full-time employment. Businesses get skilled interns who can help them tackle a large-scale project or initiative that they have not previously been able to accomplish, due to overworked staff or too many other pressing needs.

“Out of our 85 IP graduates, nearly 40 percent have retained full-time employment with their original internship companies,” said Jonathan Thompson, PYP’s Administrative Coordinator. “Clearly, our partner companies are finding great talent, and IP is successfully helping to curb the exodus of young talent from our area.”

Internship Pensacola is accepting position submissions from employers between now and February 19. Student applications must be received by March 4, which will be followed by candidate interviews. The official 13-week summer internship period will run from May 9 to August 5, 2016. For more information, please visit www.internshippensacola.com or email administration@internshippensacola.com.