WEBVTT
00:00:02.399 --> 00:00:08.640
Creating professional development pathways that combine experiential learning with career exploration.
00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:13.119
This trend continues in our area and your business can benefit.
00:00:13.279 --> 00:00:17.359
From the Moon Area Chamber of Commerce, this is Mind Your Business.
00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:20.719
Mind Your Business.
00:00:20.879 --> 00:00:26.559
Brought to you by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, providing professional commercial real estate services.
00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:29.600
Visit Appalachian CRE.com.
00:00:31.039 --> 00:00:32.719
Hello and welcome into Mind Your Business.
00:00:32.799 --> 00:00:36.719
I'm David Jackson, President and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.
00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:50.560
Thanks for joining us once again this week, whether that is through the airwaves of WATA here in Boone or as a subscriber of the podcast version of this program, which of course is made possible each week by our good friends at Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.
00:00:50.719 --> 00:00:53.679
If you have yet to subscribe to the show, that's not an issue.
00:00:53.840 --> 00:00:56.880
Just search for Mind Your Business wherever you get your podcast.
00:00:56.960 --> 00:01:09.599
You can gain access to full archives, occasional bonus content, extended episodes, and plenty more as we connect you with the business news that you can use from right here in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
00:01:15.200 --> 00:01:19.439
Beautiful fall colors remain here in the high country for another week.
00:01:19.519 --> 00:01:23.439
It's almost like a bonus week, and yes, people are still here.
00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:28.959
Weather trends over the weekend may soon set us in a direction that feels a bit more like winter.
00:01:29.120 --> 00:01:31.200
So hike that trail while you can.
00:01:31.280 --> 00:01:34.879
And as Sam Cook famously saying, a change is gonna come.
00:01:35.120 --> 00:01:46.719
One thing that won't change this community's demand for workforce, especially during these seasonal swings when businesses try to pick the right times to staff up to meet the demands that travelers bring.
00:01:46.879 --> 00:01:56.480
For our service and hospitality industries, that calculus has been a bit tougher to quantify this year because travel patterns have not been consistent.
00:01:56.640 --> 00:02:03.280
Even this week, usually by now, the rush of peak traffic is winding down and businesses adjust appropriately.
00:02:03.519 --> 00:02:06.799
Drive around, though, you'll see that's not the case just yet.
00:02:06.959 --> 00:02:10.479
Hopefully, profits are keeping up with the need for staff.
00:02:10.800 --> 00:02:15.520
Time will tell as we examine October performance here in just a few weeks.
00:02:15.759 --> 00:02:28.479
Not all businesses fall into the category of demand-based need, but some still see churn, created in part by a workforce that is a bit more likely to bounce early than some prior generations.
00:02:28.639 --> 00:02:34.879
What I mean by that, you get trained, you get a job, you see it's not for you, and you are off to the next experience.
00:02:34.960 --> 00:02:40.240
And that's fine, and to some degree that's expected, especially when it comes to part-time employment.
00:02:40.400 --> 00:02:52.560
But when you've racked up college debt or had a business invest in training and professional development, only to come to that same conclusion, the impact of that is a bit more complicated and frustrating for all involved.
00:02:52.719 --> 00:03:04.159
Education partners have been much more deliberate in creating experiential learning opportunities to ensure the future workforce has a chance to examine conditions from within before they commit to a career path.
00:03:04.319 --> 00:03:12.560
I'm in my late forties, our generation did this through internships mostly, but they were traditionally later in the timeline of academic pursuit.
00:03:12.719 --> 00:03:20.479
So if you were, say, a junior in college and had a summer internship, it was great to see if the experience matched your career expectation.
00:03:20.639 --> 00:03:25.439
And if it wasn't a perfect fit, there was precious little time to make a change.
00:03:25.599 --> 00:03:34.560
Today that timeline sees students getting a chance to glance at their future working selves much earlier and in a much more polished way.
00:03:34.800 --> 00:03:52.400
Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina General Assembly, the Departments of Commerce and Labor, the Community College system, the UNC system, and I'm sure a few others have been prioritizing apprenticeships and earlier internships as a way to get that early look at career pathways.
00:03:52.639 --> 00:04:05.360
Rise Caldwell Watauga gives the opportunity for career exploration and immersion to high school students through a paid apprenticeship experience that actually teaches the expectations of showing up for work.
00:04:05.599 --> 00:04:12.639
Another such program that matches local businesses with a curious and able workforce is the subject of this week's Mind Your Business.
00:04:12.960 --> 00:04:32.560
We'll visit with Amy Odom, Director of Business Career Services for the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State, and talk about Abstate Works, a year-round professional development program for students to gain a mixture of professional skills and on-the-job opportunity with regional employers here in the high country.
00:04:32.720 --> 00:04:39.439
We'll hear the details on how all of this came together and how interested businesses around the region can participate.
00:04:39.680 --> 00:04:43.360
As you can hear, we've got a lot to cover once again this week, so stick around.
00:04:43.519 --> 00:04:45.360
You are listening to mind your business.
00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:51.360
Appalachian Commercial Real Estate provides professional commercial real estate services in the Boone area.
00:04:51.439 --> 00:04:57.920
They provide sales, leasing, consulting, and appraisal services to owners and users of commercial real estate.
00:04:58.160 --> 00:05:03.360
For more information, go to their website at Appalachian CRE.com.
00:05:05.439 --> 00:05:06.800
Welcome back to Mind Your Business.
00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:07.680
I'm David Jackson.
00:05:07.920 --> 00:05:21.839
Before we talk about the opportunity for students to see inside the ropes of their career path of choice, let us talk about a local real estate professional that will gladly sing the song of his industry, all while helping you find your next great commercial landing spot.
00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:24.879
That's James Milner, an Appalachian commercial real estate.
00:05:24.959 --> 00:05:30.160
They solve simple and complex commercial real estate problems in and around the Boone area and beyond.
00:05:30.319 --> 00:05:39.600
Whether you own or lease commercial real estate, regardless of the property type, have an advocate on your side, along with the expertise and experience to assist you and your business.
00:05:39.839 --> 00:05:44.800
For more information, you can check them out on the web at Appalachian CRE.com.
00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:55.279
For those of you listening that have a job, better yet those that have a career, think about how you got there or what convinced you that your chosen path was correct.
00:05:55.439 --> 00:05:58.160
Now hold that thought and let me give you a few numbers.
00:05:58.319 --> 00:06:08.480
Several studies concur that the average person goes through three to seven career changes in their lifetime, and the typical American worker will hold about twelve jobs in their lifetime.
00:06:08.639 --> 00:06:16.160
Now, of course, job changes are within the same general career area, and career change is defined as changing the scope of your work entirely.
00:06:16.399 --> 00:06:19.839
So for me, that's two careers and six jobs in my lifetime.
00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:21.759
Okay, now back to the question.
00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:23.680
What got you started?
00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:32.560
Because you had to start somewhere, and the beginning of that journey is where you place the Plinko chip on the board and begin the pathway that you call work today.
00:06:32.800 --> 00:06:38.560
It could have been a supportive supervisor that encouraged you to consider a job as more of a career.
00:06:38.720 --> 00:06:41.360
For some of us, it was an immediate detour, right?
00:06:41.439 --> 00:06:48.480
Just the realization that some jobs are just meant to be a paycheck, a means to an end until the right thing comes along.
00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:57.680
Thankfully, the world of education is a bit more sophisticated these days, moving on from that Plinko job placement idea to something a little bit more experiential.
00:06:57.839 --> 00:07:03.360
Amy Odom works as the director of business career services in App State's Walker College of Business.
00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:07.199
And first things first, what number career is this for her?
00:07:07.439 --> 00:07:09.439
I've had two different careers.
00:07:09.759 --> 00:07:16.000
Um and actually my and my undergrad is nothing to do with either of the careers that I ever had.
00:07:16.160 --> 00:07:19.680
So painting and ceramics uh were my undergrad.
00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:24.480
Um clearly not doing anything in that space, although I still try to be creative.
00:07:24.800 --> 00:07:31.439
Um, but the first uh first career was more on the event planning side of things.
00:07:31.519 --> 00:07:42.319
Uh so we know that one of the main hospitality or one of the main uh industries in Boone is hospitality, and I wanted to stay in Boone after I graduated.
00:07:42.399 --> 00:07:54.720
So that is where I gravitated first um in that hospitality and event planning space and then transitioned to higher education at Appalachian State University and have been there for the last 15 years.
00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:59.839
So number of jobs, um, I think I've had about six.
00:08:00.240 --> 00:08:00.720
Gotcha.
00:08:01.759 --> 00:08:19.120
And I love to tell the story of that job progression, that career progression to students when we're talking about networking and the value of networking, because every single one of those jobs that I got, I never applied to through a portal.
00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:23.839
It was always through relationships and people that I met in the community.
00:08:24.079 --> 00:08:31.120
So yeah, it's an excellent, excellent point to make and and kind of you know, a side question to this.
00:08:31.279 --> 00:08:45.039
Uh when when you first saw your progression taking you kind of to where you are now, was it, you know, again networking that, but was it like the the supportive voice that said, hey, you know, you ought to consider doing this, or was it a little bit more deliberate than that?
00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:48.080
Like, hey, I've got a job for you, you should come and apply for that.
00:08:48.960 --> 00:08:56.960
It was it was always during interactions where I was doing maybe a different job.
00:08:57.519 --> 00:09:03.840
So, for example, a a job that I had in college, um, I waited tables at sunrise.
00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:08.480
Um, and it was fast and quick paced, and I loved it, and you met all kinds of people.
00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:10.159
I met a business owner.
00:09:10.320 --> 00:09:14.879
Um, so while I was working that job, and he was like, Hey, you want to come work for me?
00:09:15.120 --> 00:09:27.919
And so it was after spending time with people and developing those relationships, even if they were just short stints um or or longer, um, those opportunities would present themselves.
00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:34.320
And so it was it was never an intentional uh transaction for me.
00:09:34.559 --> 00:09:36.960
It was oftentimes by happenstance.
00:09:37.120 --> 00:09:44.159
Um, but I started putting myself in those spaces over and over again, knowing that that would be the result.
00:09:44.320 --> 00:09:44.480
Yeah.
00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:49.919
So I love the fact that Sunrise Grill is like the the career portal uh to the high country.
00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.840
Who needs indeed when you've got sunrise grill?
00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:52.559
Exactly.
00:09:52.799 --> 00:09:59.440
Um, well, a lot of what you've you've just described is is part of what is the the guts behind AppState Works.
00:09:59.600 --> 00:10:02.159
So tell us a little bit about what the program consists of.
00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:02.639
Sure.
00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:25.120
Um AppState Works is a workforce and experiential learning um initiative that is designed to provide professional opportunities to our current college students and not just business majors, but campus-wide, um, trying to increase the number of professional opportunities that they have right here in their hometown.
00:10:25.279 --> 00:10:35.919
Um, in addition, we want to try to provide opportunities for local employers to really build out their pipelines and to help with the current workforce development issues that we have here.
00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:47.919
Yeah, I know there's been a lot of conversation around apprenticeships and internships at various levels of state government, all the way down into the nooks and crannies of higher ed and different education partners.
00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:56.799
What is it about this program that makes AppState Works a little bit different than what may have been spun up in years past, even on campus for that matter?
00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:57.440
Sure.
00:10:57.519 --> 00:11:06.960
Um, AppState Works, one piece that I'm really excited about is that is this is gonna go far beyond a traditional internship experience.
00:11:07.200 --> 00:11:16.399
These students will be placed in a cohort style program where there'll be several of them and several employee employers together.
00:11:16.480 --> 00:11:26.000
Um, and it's gonna be a work-based learning experience where our teams and career services will be providing them with professional development opportunities.
00:11:26.159 --> 00:11:35.200
So workshops based on leadership, communication skills, uh, workplace practices, and general career readiness.
00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:41.919
So we're hoping to layer that on top of their internship experience while it's happening at the same time.
00:11:42.159 --> 00:11:47.519
In addition to that, we want to really immerse them in our community.
00:11:47.679 --> 00:12:13.759
So we're going to involve them in um community service projects so they can be exposed to the many wonderful local nonprofits that we have in our area, cultural experiences, um, and plenty of networking opportunities that they can meet with several employers in our area, um, but also gain access and between their peers and go through that process together.
00:12:14.159 --> 00:12:22.000
Interesting that that this comes at a time where I think efficiency in higher education is probably at its all-time most important piece.
00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:28.240
You know, you've got rising costs of education mixed with kids that want to get through and get onto the career path.
00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:33.840
Is that part of why programs like this to help bring all this stuff together are so important right now?
00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:35.440
We hear so much about them.
00:12:35.759 --> 00:12:36.720
Yes, 100%.
00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:43.120
I think everyone is looking for the ROI of their education and what is happening next.
00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:48.559
And I think that students totally understand that it's not just about the degree today.
00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:50.559
Um, it is way, way more than that.
00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:54.799
And for our employers as well, they are looking to build this pipeline.
00:12:54.960 --> 00:13:02.159
Um, but research shows um based on the National Association of Colleges and Employers, that's NACE for short.
00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:10.559
Um, that is an organization that we fall back on for statistics and support in career readiness areas.
00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:25.759
Um but they show that when students have experiential learning opportunities, professional opportunities like this, in 2024, 62% of the students that did those internships received full-time offers.
00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:36.639
And across the board, they're receiving higher salary offers and just general more satisfaction about the careers that they're lending because of these opportunities.
00:13:36.960 --> 00:13:46.240
So it it's not just the degree now, it's the professional opportunities, getting the hands-on experience with these employers that is making the difference.
00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:53.279
That's building stronger resumes, it's giving the students more confidence and overall just general career satisfaction.
00:13:53.600 --> 00:14:06.799
You know, uh we were talking earlier about career paths and and our own journeys professionally, but you know, you go back to the point in time where I remember leaving high school, going to college, being in college, it was all about go get an internship.
00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:08.960
Just go see what it's like, and then that will be it.
00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:17.919
But that was so late in the academic calendar that by the end of your junior year, if you went and had a bad internship experience, it was like, okay, well, uh, four years just became six.
00:14:18.080 --> 00:14:18.320
Yes.
00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:40.639
You know, so uh is is this program designed to kind of help iron out some of those those things that that may show up as blips or at least identify them earlier so um a student can see, hey, this is the actual field I'm going into, maybe as a sophomore instead of so late in the academic career where there's less time to turn the car, so to speak.
00:14:40.960 --> 00:14:48.159
Yes, we we want we want them to be thinking those wheels to be turning freshman, sophomore, and junior year.
00:14:48.320 --> 00:14:52.399
We would love them to have multiple internship opportunities before they graduate.
00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:56.159
Also understanding that internships, it's a two-way street.
00:14:56.480 --> 00:15:06.559
So this is an extended interview process for an employer, but it's also an interview process for these students to realize, uh-oh, I don't want to do that for the rest of my life.
00:15:06.799 --> 00:15:09.120
I did it for three months, that was great.
00:15:09.360 --> 00:15:11.759
Moving on, let's find a different career path.
00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:27.440
It is way better to figure that out in your sophomore or junior year than to graduate, get the degree, and be stuck as an accountant or a manager or whatever it is that you realize that was not my fit because I I didn't take the opportunity to practice.
00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:34.399
Well, and and I wonder if, you know, we we all hope that kid goes through Abstate Works and and they get that perfect alignment.
00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:39.279
But for the ones that maybe do find, hey, this was not for me, thought it was cool, but maybe not.
00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:49.840
Um, how does a program like AbState Works help give them the redirect to make sure that, all right, well, if it wasn't this, let's let's try to get down the road towards something that is attainable or exciting?
00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:50.559
Definitely.
00:15:50.639 --> 00:16:04.159
So I think it's the additional networking opportunities that we're gonna provide to them, to the host of employers across a variety of industries that we want to have present within uh this program.
00:16:04.559 --> 00:16:07.840
Um so that way, first of all, they're getting the practice, right?
00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:12.000
The more practice we have, the easier it is to strike up those conversations.
00:16:12.159 --> 00:16:21.600
But also it's awareness, it's engaging and learning about these different industries where you're like, huh, that wasn't an option for me or anything that I thought before.
00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:26.879
But now I've met this person, they're warm, they're friendly, they're giving me some basic information.
00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:39.039
Um, it opens the doors to have those conversations and it gives them more options that um and and I have this conversation with students all the time in coaching appointments.
00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:44.960
They get so locked into I'm a finance major, I have to go work for a bank.
00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:58.080
No, a bank has so many different lines of business that they could access while they're there, and a bank wants you to be with their company for 20 years and maybe you have 10 different jobs.
00:16:58.159 --> 00:17:04.240
Uh, but they could be in marketing, they could be in human resources, or they could be the bean counter, right?
00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:12.880
Um, so it's it's exposing students to understand that they're they are not locked in to one thing for the rest of their life.
00:17:13.039 --> 00:17:17.839
And I think they all have that fear that I'm gonna have to be an accountant for the rest of my life.
00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:20.720
And no, the the sky's the limit.
00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:27.519
And I think that I have a great example of that of having two careers um during my time and in so many different jobs.
00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:32.079
More with Amy Odom as we discuss App State Works right after this.
00:17:32.240 --> 00:17:33.759
You are listening to MindYour Business.
00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:39.680
Appalachian Commercial Real Estate provides professional commercial real estate services in the Boone area.
00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:46.079
They provide sales, leasing, consulting, and appraisal services to owners and users of commercial real estate.
00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:51.039
For more information, go to their website at Appalachian CRE.com.
00:17:51.200 --> 00:17:52.319
Welcome back to Mind Your Business.
00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:53.200
I'm David Jackson.
00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:58.000
We continue our conversation with Amy Odom as we discuss AppState Works.
00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:01.440
Let's talk AppState Works from the employer's perspective a bit.
00:18:01.599 --> 00:18:07.839
What is the benefit to uh, especially a local employer, being able to partner with the university in a program like this?
00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:08.640
Definitely.
00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:12.640
So I think it goes well beyond recruiting.
00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:15.759
Um it it extends beyond that.
00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:20.400
And these employers are going to be a part of an amazing network.
00:18:20.640 --> 00:18:24.319
So in our first year, we want to launch with 10 companies.
00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:29.759
I would hope that in year two, year three, year four, that we're up to 50 companies.
00:18:29.920 --> 00:18:36.559
Um, so that is that's a lot of leadership that they would have access to right here in our hometown.
00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:47.440
So these interactions, this program that I'm designing, it's for the benefit of the students, but we want to incorporate the employers so they get a little extra out of it as well.
00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:59.839
So they're going to be able to come to our workshop sessions, um our leadership development programs uh that we'll be offering, and then just the general benefits of networking with the peers in the community.
00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:07.519
When you you talk about businesses, I think a lot of people will think, hey, you know, I'm I'm a two-person shop.
00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:10.079
I I probably don't have the bandwidth for this kind of thing.
00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:15.759
Is there a size limitation or specific industries that you're really trying to make sure that you're focusing on?
00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:16.400
Definitely.
00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:19.759
No, we we welcome all sizes, all shapes.
00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:30.559
Um, we do have some industries that we would love uh love to welcome that align with the North Carolina Chamber and the and and also the industries that we have um within our area.
00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:32.960
So, and not just limited to business.
00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:40.559
So we're we're partnering with our Central Career Development Center on campus to make sure that we are covering all of our bases.
00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:56.480
Um, manufacturing will be included in that, supply chain and logistics, healthcare administration, marketing and sales, financial services, human resources, um, technology, uh, and of course our valued nonprofits.
00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:59.839
And so it it won't just be the business side.
00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:02.559
We we want it all accounted for and in all sizes.
00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:07.759
So when you you look up from now, I know you talked about progression in terms of number of businesses uh around.
00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:12.240
If you looked up three to five years from now, what what do you feel like you would like to see this program look like?
00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:16.160
What are what are your goals for for the entire the entire thing?
00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:22.000
So I would love to have at least 50 companies, and we can't do that just within Boone.
00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:26.400
We're aware we're we're a small town here and we we love we love our size.
00:20:26.559 --> 00:20:38.960
Um but with the addition of our Hickory campus, I think that we're able to expand into Catawba and Caldwell counties and partner with the employers, um, some that may be on a larger scale that can take on volume.
00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:44.559
And if you design an internship for one person, you can scale that for five or ten.
00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:49.839
Um, as long as you know you've got the the resources that you need to supervise that.
00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:53.279
Our team in career services can help you build that.
00:20:53.440 --> 00:21:05.920
And so if you don't have an internship program and you don't know where to start, we have resources, we have workshops, we have a team of people that can help provide you structure and ideas.
00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:14.559
So maybe it's a rotational-based program where it's not just one person that's having to supervise the student and give them all the tasks that need to be done.
00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:21.680
Maybe they're rotating from accounting to HR to um to the logistics side.
00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:31.440
Um, so that way they learn all about the company and all those different areas, and it's not just one person that has to manage the responsibility of making sure they have a quality experience.
00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:40.960
You know, when I was on campus back in the late 90s, um, to date myself here a little bit, uh, the the push was to take that internship experience off the mountain.
00:21:41.119 --> 00:21:48.799
You know, whether that's where you're going home for the summer or you find somewhere that you have to kind of immerse yourself in a new community, and it was always about being away from here.
00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:53.359
But this is very targeted toward the local community of Western North Carolina as a whole.
00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:54.640
What's the benefit of that?
00:21:54.880 --> 00:22:01.039
Um so there's a really good reason um why while we are trying to bring these opportunities to Western North Carolina.
00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:06.640
So currently about 52% of our business students do one or more internships before they graduate.
00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:09.200
And a lot of people are like, wow, that's amazing.
00:22:09.440 --> 00:22:11.039
First of all, I want that to be 100%.
00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:16.720
Every single student student should have some type of professional experience before they leave.
00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:23.680
However, the 52% that do it, typically they're going to metropolitan areas to find those opportunities.
00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:31.359
Um the the volume of those uh opportunities are gonna be in Charlotte, the triad, or the triangle.
00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:33.920
And so they're looking in those spaces.
00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:36.319
Um it's it's not equitable though.
00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:38.000
It's very, very expensive.
00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:40.079
So we know how much rent costs in Boone.
00:22:40.400 --> 00:22:48.400
So these students are are housed here, paying for the rent here, finding an internship in Charlotte, and having to pay for housing there as well.
00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:54.480
That is not feasible to pay for two living arrangements uh for any family.
00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:57.440
I mean, the thought of having to pay for one at this point, right?
00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.319
That's right.
00:22:58.480 --> 00:22:58.960
That's right.
00:22:59.200 --> 00:23:04.720
And so that's why we we wanna we wanna break down that financial barrier for our students.
00:23:04.880 --> 00:23:13.839
Um, because if they can't go home and live with mom and dad to do this internship, if they can't find affordable housing, they're opting out of doing the internship at all.
00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:21.039
And so what better way but to provide those opportunities here where they're already paying rent and we can we can remove that barrier.
00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:23.440
And you get the benefit of a high country summer.
00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:26.160
That's what gets you hooked on places like this for sure.
00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:29.359
Um this program's got a lot of pieces to it.
00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:34.000
I would imagine there are an equal number of partners who have helped make this happen.
00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:37.279
Uh, how did AppState Works get started from that perspective?
00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:38.160
Definitely.
00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:45.759
So we are super excited to collaborate with, and it's gonna take a village um to make this kind of program happen.
00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:49.519
And so I did already mention um the Central Career Development Center.
00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:58.960
So if folks don't know, um we are unique um on our campus in that we have a Central Career Development Center that supports all 20,000 students at App State.
00:23:59.119 --> 00:24:04.319
So that's all the majors and all the industries that that correlate.
00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:15.599
Um, because we're the largest college of business in the UNC system currently with almost over 5,000 students, we need our own team uh of career services uh in the college of business.
00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:20.160
And so our two areas partner frequently on programs.
00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:24.000
We're working towards the same goals, trying to support the same students.
00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:26.400
Um, so it makes sense for us to do that together.
00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:36.960
And so we are heavily partnering with Jennifer and her team in the Central Career Development Center to make sure that all of the industries and all of the academic disciplines are covered.
00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:41.440
In addition to that, we've got some really fantastic partners in our community.
00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:46.559
Our friends here in the Boon Area Chamber of Commerce are gonna be one very vital uh partner.
00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:47.359
Imagine that.
00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:48.319
Imagine that.
00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:55.200
We've had some fantastic conversations um and support with our Caldwell and Catawa Chambers as well.
00:24:55.440 --> 00:25:00.799
And then it's it's gonna take alumni, community leaders, business owners.
00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:06.079
So there will be plenty of people that have their hands uh involved in this project to make it work.
00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:18.960
So, you know, business may hear about this program that opens the door to thinking, well, hey, maybe App State works is something we can build toward, but what are other ways that we can get engaged and have those student interactions?
00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:21.200
And I I feel like that kind of ebbs and flows with time.
00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:29.039
You get an alum that's got a business that's really dialed into that, then maybe the person that opens up next to them doesn't know about the power of AppState yet, so it takes a minute.
00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:31.519
But what are some of those other opportunities for immersion?
00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:32.319
Definitely.
00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:38.160
So we actually have an event happening next week called Walker Internship Expo.
00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:44.799
And we are targeting the local companies that we want to be a part of AppState Works to come.
00:25:44.880 --> 00:25:54.960
This is gonna be a recruiting event where they can set a table, um, provide information directly to students about the internships or roles that they are actively hiring for.
00:25:55.200 --> 00:26:03.200
Our students are gonna come prepared with their resumes and their elevator pitches to talk about why they're great fit for your internship or your job.
00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:07.440
And so that is next week on Tuesday, November 3rd.
00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:11.440
Um, it'll be in Peacock Hall with all of the lovely construction.
00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:16.000
Uh don't worry, there'll be plenty of parking because the event is from 5 to 7 p.m.
00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:24.480
So we want folks to be able to close up shop that day, our students to get out of their classes and have two hours to engage with one another to figure this out.
00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.200
Wonderful.
00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:32.400
Well, if there's a business that might not be able to attend that event, but they're interested in AppState works in general, how can they get connected?
00:26:32.640 --> 00:26:33.119
Absolutely.
00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:35.680
So they can direct directly contact me.
00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:46.720
So my email is odumah one at appstate.edu, or they can go to our website and that's businesscareers at app at dot appstate.edu.
00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:52.880
Um so those are two great ways that they can get more resource, more information, and figure out contact information for me.
00:26:53.200 --> 00:27:02.240
And then uh kind of in a in a broader sense, you know, there are constantly evolving workforce development efforts that are going on around this region.
00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:15.759
We just got another dose of that through the uh economic recovery plan that the the state just put out for Western North Carolina, and and you see emphasis on things like healthcare careers, you mentioned that earlier, but life sciences, tourism, all those types of things.
00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:30.960
How does this program measure the industries that are are in need and and how will you continue to do that as as time moves on and needs change as Helene recovery continues and Lord knows what we get into next around here?
00:27:31.279 --> 00:27:51.359
Um I mean, I think direct involvement with our chambers um certainly informs uh what what's happening here in our local community and uh and of course on the the the statewide uh level, um our uh National Association of Colleges and Employers and then our business advisory council um within the college of business.
00:27:51.440 --> 00:28:03.680
So we have a team of industry professionals um that we bring to campus several times a year that helps inform us of what's happening in industry, how do our students need to be prepared, how are they not prepared?
00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:06.079
Um, and that's also our current employers.
00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:13.440
They are the first ones to tell us, hey, the students are falling short, or this is happening in the pipeline, this is coming up next.
00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:21.920
Um, so we have a lot of different partners that we uh try to help us keep informed so our students are ready for the next thing that's happening.
00:28:22.160 --> 00:28:38.559
Well, I have to let you close by getting a plug-in for Women of Walker because I know that's an area that that we've interfaced many, many times before, but there's so many interesting parallels to this, and I wonder how much of Women of Walker and that professional development, listening to what what needs to be brought in inspired this.
00:28:38.720 --> 00:28:41.839
There there feels like there's a little DNA of Women and Walker inside this.
00:28:42.319 --> 00:28:42.799
Absolutely.
00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:46.720
So we um that that was several years in the making.
00:28:46.799 --> 00:29:05.599
Uh Women of Walker is a professional development program uh for students in the College of Business, uh, many first generation that may not have some of those basic professional skills that employers are requiring that they have uh when they when they're hiring for these positions.
00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:18.400
And so we ever since 2014, we have put over 400 students um through that program partnering with employers to help support that program piece.
00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:23.200
So I want to be the cool aunt and not the naggie mom, right?
00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:29.519
And so if I'm the one coming in presenting this information all the time, they're gonna be like, I'm tired of hearing from you, Amy, you know.
00:29:29.759 --> 00:29:39.119
But if we can bring industry professionals in from different industries and show these students directly, see, touch and feel, right?
00:29:39.440 --> 00:30:05.680
Um, what these industries are about, maybe the the hardships that these women or uh industry professionals have experienced along the way, it gives them something tangible um to hold on to, to work towards, and it gives them the confidence to keep um making these connections, understanding the value of networking and to start practicing building that now.
00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:13.519
So the more opportunities we can put in front of our students to where they can practice, it becomes second nature.
00:30:13.599 --> 00:30:22.480
Um, and then it's not them nervous in the corner, um worried about making a jerk of themselves and not saying the right thing.
00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:28.880
Um, they feel confident about making those connections, maintaining those networks moving forward.
00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:32.559
Um, because like I said, we started in the beginning of this conversation.
00:30:32.880 --> 00:30:39.279
Every job that I've gotten has been through relationships, been through the connections, the conversations that I've had.
00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:46.079
So we want that's gold standard for the College of Business is to bring business to campus as often as possible.
00:30:46.319 --> 00:30:54.799
Um, to to allow students to practice in person, to see touch and feel what business is all about.
00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:57.519
Um, and so then it's second nature.
00:30:57.599 --> 00:31:01.200
Um, and it's not a challenge for them to move forward and make these connections.
00:31:01.440 --> 00:31:04.640
Well, congratulations on on so many students coming through that program.
00:31:04.720 --> 00:31:05.839
That that's truly amazing.
00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:11.359
And what is also I I think a major part to that is that you've had so many repeat mentors over the years.
00:31:11.440 --> 00:31:15.279
Yes, and and people that get excited about the time for that process to start.
00:31:15.440 --> 00:31:17.759
Um, for for mentor recruitment.
00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:18.960
What does that look like?
00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:22.880
And if somebody was interested in maybe hearing more about that, how can they get involved?
00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:23.279
Yes.
00:31:23.359 --> 00:31:26.640
So we did we added the mentoring component um a few years ago.
00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:41.839
This might be our fourth year with the mentor component where we're partnering our Watago women in leadership and also members from the chamber, business owners from the community, pairing them with these students to learn directly.
00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:44.880
And so we are launching that application.
00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:47.839
So first we offer it to our returning mentors.
00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:52.880
We give them first right of refusal to take on that responsibility for another program.
00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:57.279
And so typically we have about half that want to stay and do it again.
00:31:57.440 --> 00:32:02.720
And so uh we almost always have 30 students uh in the program.
00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:06.880
So we'll need at least 30 mentors to match with them.
00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:13.680
And so that application should be live next week after I know how many mentors are returning for the upcoming year.
00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:24.240
And that recruitment process will go through the end of the year, and we will start with the program with the students in January, and then that runs until early the beginning of May.
00:32:24.400 --> 00:32:26.960
Um, we can't do it beyond the semester.
00:32:27.119 --> 00:32:31.680
So um basically, once that semester is over, that segment of the program is over.
00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:32.400
Gotcha.
00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:42.480
Um last question for you, and and uh appreciate all this information, and and I know that people are listening and thinking there's a way for me to plug in here, there's a way for me to plug in here, and it can get overwhelming.
00:32:42.640 --> 00:32:53.359
Uh, you've worked with enough businesses in this community that have partnered with the university for anybody that feels like there's a barrier of entry or just a little bit uh uh intimidated by where do I start?
00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:58.160
What would be your advice to them in in in terms of matching their business up with these programs or other things?
00:32:58.400 --> 00:32:58.880
Definitely.
00:32:59.119 --> 00:33:02.079
So our website is a fantastic resource.
00:33:02.240 --> 00:33:06.000
It is a place to complete an action, it is not stagnant information.
00:33:06.240 --> 00:33:11.039
We want you to go there and we have all of the ways that you can get involved.
00:33:11.359 --> 00:33:15.279
We have an amazing employer relations manager on our team.
00:33:15.440 --> 00:33:24.960
Her name is Jackie Garner, and it is her job to know where these employers want a vacation, what their dogs' names are, what they like to do in their spare time.
00:33:25.200 --> 00:33:31.839
She's there to get to know the employer, the needs of their business, and then we are the matchmakers in career services.
00:33:32.079 --> 00:33:41.839
We get to know the students, our coaches meet with them one-on-one, learn what their goals are, where they want to go next, and then we can matchmake and put those two pieces together.
00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:53.440
So Jackie Garner is a great resource, our website is a great resource, and anyone is available to call or email me directly anytime, and I'm happy to provide what they need to get plugged in with our students.
00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:58.559
Well, uh, we can't thank you enough for keeping us plugged into all of these efforts.
00:33:58.640 --> 00:34:02.000
Uh, you know, your your seat on the board of directors is a very active one here.
00:34:02.319 --> 00:34:11.599
Uh but uh but we we look forward to uh to hearing more about the evolution of AppState Works and and uh continuing to connect businesses with all of the different programs that the university has to offer.
00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:13.039
Thanks for having me.
00:34:13.280 --> 00:34:22.800
Thanks to Amy for taking the time to discuss AppState Works, another tool in helping our next generation of workforce just have a better idea about what they're getting into.
00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:25.119
I think that's what's amazing about this community.
00:34:25.280 --> 00:34:31.119
The pipeline for such exploration here is rather deep, considering a rural status.
00:34:31.280 --> 00:34:32.480
Think about this for a second.
00:34:32.639 --> 00:34:38.400
You could be a middle school student in a CTE course that gets you excited about, let's say, a career in healthcare.
00:34:38.559 --> 00:34:51.519
That could lead to dual enrollment college credit-earning classes at Watauga High School, where there you could become part of Rise Caldwell Watauga and receive a paid apprenticeship at Watauga Medical Center while you were in high school.
00:34:51.679 --> 00:34:59.840
Then let's say you head to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, complete that associate's degree, and head to AppState to turn that into a four-year degree.
00:35:00.079 --> 00:35:12.719
There, AppState Works will be able to offer continued professional development and another paid opportunity to work within the field, all of this before you think about the first step of the true career pathway.
00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:17.360
That's a ton of experience on a resume for someone just starting out.
00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:25.199
And if you make it to the end of that path and into a healthcare career, there should be zero surprises about what you're getting into.
00:35:25.440 --> 00:35:30.719
All of that exploration can occur right inside the boundaries of Watauga County.
00:35:30.960 --> 00:35:32.400
Pretty cool place we live, right?
00:35:32.639 --> 00:35:34.800
You are listening to mind your business.
00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:38.960
Are you a young professional looking to expand your network?
00:35:39.039 --> 00:35:51.599
The High Country Young Professionals affectionately dubbed the High Country Young Pros, is a dedicated group of 200 plus professional young adults under the age of 40 serving in various industries across the high country.
00:35:51.760 --> 00:35:57.039
Join us for a casual networking event on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m.
00:35:57.360 --> 00:35:59.519
As we visit locations across the high country.
00:35:59.679 --> 00:36:00.960
Events are free of charge.
00:36:01.119 --> 00:36:03.039
However, donations are appreciated.
00:36:03.360 --> 00:36:04.400
Not a chamber member?
00:36:04.559 --> 00:36:05.199
That's okay.
00:36:05.440 --> 00:36:07.039
No membership needed to join us.
00:36:07.199 --> 00:36:08.880
You just have to be under 40.
00:36:09.039 --> 00:36:15.280
Learn more about high country GoPros at foodchamber.com slash H C YP.
00:36:18.719 --> 00:36:19.840
Mind your business.
00:36:20.000 --> 00:36:26.239
Brought to you by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, offering sales, leasing, consulting, and appraisal services.
00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:29.280
Visit Appalachian CRE.com.
00:36:30.719 --> 00:36:42.079
By the time we bring you a new episode of the show, November will be here, and somewhere a high country family is starting to think about cooking Thanksgiving dinner, getting hungry just thinking about all of this.
00:36:42.320 --> 00:36:46.320
That means that holiday shopping season is also just around the corner.
00:36:46.480 --> 00:36:50.960
Make sure you check out the Chambers Holiday Shop Local campaign for 2026.
00:36:51.119 --> 00:36:59.599
This year's package is intended for retail, restaurant, and experience-based businesses with a holiday gift, product, or experience to promote.
00:36:59.760 --> 00:37:27.039
For$325, your package includes a featured spot in the Holiday Shop Local email, which is sent out to over 3,800 contacts within the Boon Area Chamber of Commerce network, two posts on our Facebook and Instagram accounts with a combined 26,000 followers there, a collaborative photo post, and you're featured in a weekly reel with the Boone Area Chamber staff pairing participating businesses together to celebrate local shopping and encourage community connection.
00:37:27.280 --> 00:37:32.000
We also have placement on the Holiday Shop Local page on the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce website.
00:37:32.239 --> 00:37:34.079
Mention on Mind Your Business.
00:37:34.159 --> 00:37:35.519
You could be right here.
00:37:35.679 --> 00:37:40.800
We'll start doing those weekly as we move into later November.
00:37:40.880 --> 00:37:44.880
And that, of course, is heard on WATA Radio and other streaming platforms.
00:37:45.119 --> 00:37:46.960
A couple of new features for this year.
00:37:47.119 --> 00:37:59.760
Our holiday shop local list will be featured in a digital ad with the Mountain Times, and those participating businesses can get a discount for High Country Radio's Santa's hitting the highway campaign.
00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:07.840
So consider those things as you consider whether or not your business might match up for the holiday shop local advertising package this year.
00:38:08.000 --> 00:38:12.559
Now there's also another new feature that has nothing to do with the holiday shop local advertising package.
00:38:12.719 --> 00:38:14.400
This is just for chamber members.
00:38:14.559 --> 00:38:19.679
Your business can wear the cheer all season with a holiday shop local t-shirt.
00:38:19.840 --> 00:38:26.719
Again, that's available to chamber member businesses in two colors Royal Pie and Green or Stonewash Denim.
00:38:26.880 --> 00:38:38.800
Those t-shirts are$20 a piece, and they are meant for businesses to outfit your staff in the type of gear that will remind customers to shop local every time they walk through your door.
00:38:38.960 --> 00:38:47.599
This is an easy way to spice up the staff swag for the holidays and encourage people to catch the spirit of spending their dollars in a way that benefits local businesses.
00:38:47.760 --> 00:38:51.119
The presale for those shirts ends Friday, November 6th.
00:38:51.280 --> 00:38:55.679
Orders will be ready for pickup beginning Wednesday, November 18th between 10 a.m.
00:38:55.840 --> 00:38:56.559
and 3 p.m.
00:38:56.719 --> 00:39:00.719
at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce office here in Boone on Greenway Road.
00:39:00.880 --> 00:39:06.079
Special thanks to our partners at Imprints for making this program possible.
00:39:06.239 --> 00:39:08.559
Again, this is available to all chamber members.
00:39:08.719 --> 00:39:14.159
You can check out details on all things holiday shop local at Boonechamber.com.
00:39:14.480 --> 00:39:16.880
You are listening to Mind Your Business.
00:39:20.400 --> 00:39:28.239
Two quick events to close out on, High Country Young Professionals meets next Wednesday, that's November 3rd, for their next social gathering.
00:39:28.320 --> 00:39:31.840
That's at FA Fitness Tover in Glowing Rock from 5 to 7.
00:39:32.079 --> 00:39:41.920
The following week, the next Business After Hours event at Mountain Community Bank in Boone, that also from 5 to 7 on Thursday, November 12th, in RSVP.
00:39:42.079 --> 00:39:48.320
For both of those events, understanding one is age appropriate, but you can still below BooneCamber.com.
00:39:48.480 --> 00:39:50.400
That'll do it for this week's Mind Your Business.
00:39:50.480 --> 00:39:54.079
This program is written and produced this week by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.
00:39:54.239 --> 00:40:00.800
Thanks to North Carolina's small market radio station of the year, WATA, for placing us on the airwaves each and every week.
00:40:00.960 --> 00:40:07.440
And as always, thanks to James Milner and the team at Appalachian Commercial Real Estate for making this podcast version of this program possible.
00:40:07.599 --> 00:40:09.840
If you have yet to subscribe, fix that today.
00:40:10.079 --> 00:40:12.480
Search for Mind Your Business wherever you get your podcast.
00:40:12.719 --> 00:40:16.559
You can visit us online at foodchamber.com as well.
00:40:16.960 --> 00:40:19.440
Until next week, so long, everybody.
00:00:02.399 --> 00:00:08.640
Creating professional development pathways that combine experiential learning with career exploration.
00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:13.119
This trend continues in our area and your business can benefit.
00:00:13.279 --> 00:00:17.359
From the Moon Area Chamber of Commerce, this is Mind Your Business.
00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:20.719
Mind Your Business.
00:00:20.879 --> 00:00:26.559
Brought to you by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, providing professional commercial real estate services.
00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:29.600
Visit Appalachian CRE.com.
00:00:31.039 --> 00:00:32.719
Hello and welcome into Mind Your Business.
00:00:32.799 --> 00:00:36.719
I'm David Jackson, President and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.
00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:50.560
Thanks for joining us once again this week, whether that is through the airwaves of WATA here in Boone or as a subscriber of the podcast version of this program, which of course is made possible each week by our good friends at Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.
00:00:50.719 --> 00:00:53.679
If you have yet to subscribe to the show, that's not an issue.
00:00:53.840 --> 00:00:56.880
Just search for Mind Your Business wherever you get your podcast.
00:00:56.960 --> 00:01:09.599
You can gain access to full archives, occasional bonus content, extended episodes, and plenty more as we connect you with the business news that you can use from right here in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
00:01:15.200 --> 00:01:19.439
Beautiful fall colors remain here in the high country for another week.
00:01:19.519 --> 00:01:23.439
It's almost like a bonus week, and yes, people are still here.
00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:28.959
Weather trends over the weekend may soon set us in a direction that feels a bit more like winter.
00:01:29.120 --> 00:01:31.200
So hike that trail while you can.
00:01:31.280 --> 00:01:34.879
And as Sam Cook famously saying, a change is gonna come.
00:01:35.120 --> 00:01:46.719
One thing that won't change this community's demand for workforce, especially during these seasonal swings when businesses try to pick the right times to staff up to meet the demands that travelers bring.
00:01:46.879 --> 00:01:56.480
For our service and hospitality industries, that calculus has been a bit tougher to quantify this year because travel patterns have not been consistent.
00:01:56.640 --> 00:02:03.280
Even this week, usually by now, the rush of peak traffic is winding down and businesses adjust appropriately.
00:02:03.519 --> 00:02:06.799
Drive around, though, you'll see that's not the case just yet.
00:02:06.959 --> 00:02:10.479
Hopefully, profits are keeping up with the need for staff.
00:02:10.800 --> 00:02:15.520
Time will tell as we examine October performance here in just a few weeks.
00:02:15.759 --> 00:02:28.479
Not all businesses fall into the category of demand-based need, but some still see churn, created in part by a workforce that is a bit more likely to bounce early than some prior generations.
00:02:28.639 --> 00:02:34.879
What I mean by that, you get trained, you get a job, you see it's not for you, and you are off to the next experience.
00:02:34.960 --> 00:02:40.240
And that's fine, and to some degree that's expected, especially when it comes to part-time employment.
00:02:40.400 --> 00:02:52.560
But when you've racked up college debt or had a business invest in training and professional development, only to come to that same conclusion, the impact of that is a bit more complicated and frustrating for all involved.
00:02:52.719 --> 00:03:04.159
Education partners have been much more deliberate in creating experiential learning opportunities to ensure the future workforce has a chance to examine conditions from within before they commit to a career path.
00:03:04.319 --> 00:03:12.560
I'm in my late forties, our generation did this through internships mostly, but they were traditionally later in the timeline of academic pursuit.
00:03:12.719 --> 00:03:20.479
So if you were, say, a junior in college and had a summer internship, it was great to see if the experience matched your career expectation.
00:03:20.639 --> 00:03:25.439
And if it wasn't a perfect fit, there was precious little time to make a change.
00:03:25.599 --> 00:03:34.560
Today that timeline sees students getting a chance to glance at their future working selves much earlier and in a much more polished way.
00:03:34.800 --> 00:03:52.400
Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina General Assembly, the Departments of Commerce and Labor, the Community College system, the UNC system, and I'm sure a few others have been prioritizing apprenticeships and earlier internships as a way to get that early look at career pathways.
00:03:52.639 --> 00:04:05.360
Rise Caldwell Watauga gives the opportunity for career exploration and immersion to high school students through a paid apprenticeship experience that actually teaches the expectations of showing up for work.
00:04:05.599 --> 00:04:12.639
Another such program that matches local businesses with a curious and able workforce is the subject of this week's Mind Your Business.
00:04:12.960 --> 00:04:32.560
We'll visit with Amy Odom, Director of Business Career Services for the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State, and talk about Abstate Works, a year-round professional development program for students to gain a mixture of professional skills and on-the-job opportunity with regional employers here in the high country.
00:04:32.720 --> 00:04:39.439
We'll hear the details on how all of this came together and how interested businesses around the region can participate.
00:04:39.680 --> 00:04:43.360
As you can hear, we've got a lot to cover once again this week, so stick around.
00:04:43.519 --> 00:04:45.360
You are listening to mind your business.
00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:51.360
Appalachian Commercial Real Estate provides professional commercial real estate services in the Boone area.
00:04:51.439 --> 00:04:57.920
They provide sales, leasing, consulting, and appraisal services to owners and users of commercial real estate.
00:04:58.160 --> 00:05:03.360
For more information, go to their website at Appalachian CRE.com.
00:05:05.439 --> 00:05:06.800
Welcome back to Mind Your Business.
00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:07.680
I'm David Jackson.
00:05:07.920 --> 00:05:21.839
Before we talk about the opportunity for students to see inside the ropes of their career path of choice, let us talk about a local real estate professional that will gladly sing the song of his industry, all while helping you find your next great commercial landing spot.
00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:24.879
That's James Milner, an Appalachian commercial real estate.
00:05:24.959 --> 00:05:30.160
They solve simple and complex commercial real estate problems in and around the Boone area and beyond.
00:05:30.319 --> 00:05:39.600
Whether you own or lease commercial real estate, regardless of the property type, have an advocate on your side, along with the expertise and experience to assist you and your business.
00:05:39.839 --> 00:05:44.800
For more information, you can check them out on the web at Appalachian CRE.com.
00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:55.279
For those of you listening that have a job, better yet those that have a career, think about how you got there or what convinced you that your chosen path was correct.
00:05:55.439 --> 00:05:58.160
Now hold that thought and let me give you a few numbers.
00:05:58.319 --> 00:06:08.480
Several studies concur that the average person goes through three to seven career changes in their lifetime, and the typical American worker will hold about twelve jobs in their lifetime.
00:06:08.639 --> 00:06:16.160
Now, of course, job changes are within the same general career area, and career change is defined as changing the scope of your work entirely.
00:06:16.399 --> 00:06:19.839
So for me, that's two careers and six jobs in my lifetime.
00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:21.759
Okay, now back to the question.
00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:23.680
What got you started?
00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:32.560
Because you had to start somewhere, and the beginning of that journey is where you place the Plinko chip on the board and begin the pathway that you call work today.
00:06:32.800 --> 00:06:38.560
It could have been a supportive supervisor that encouraged you to consider a job as more of a career.
00:06:38.720 --> 00:06:41.360
For some of us, it was an immediate detour, right?
00:06:41.439 --> 00:06:48.480
Just the realization that some jobs are just meant to be a paycheck, a means to an end until the right thing comes along.
00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:57.680
Thankfully, the world of education is a bit more sophisticated these days, moving on from that Plinko job placement idea to something a little bit more experiential.
00:06:57.839 --> 00:07:03.360
Amy Odom works as the director of business career services in App State's Walker College of Business.
00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:07.199
And first things first, what number career is this for her?
00:07:07.439 --> 00:07:09.439
I've had two different careers.
00:07:09.759 --> 00:07:16.000
Um and actually my and my undergrad is nothing to do with either of the careers that I ever had.
00:07:16.160 --> 00:07:19.680
So painting and ceramics uh were my undergrad.
00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:24.480
Um clearly not doing anything in that space, although I still try to be creative.
00:07:24.800 --> 00:07:31.439
Um, but the first uh first career was more on the event planning side of things.
00:07:31.519 --> 00:07:42.319
Uh so we know that one of the main hospitality or one of the main uh industries in Boone is hospitality, and I wanted to stay in Boone after I graduated.
00:07:42.399 --> 00:07:54.720
So that is where I gravitated first um in that hospitality and event planning space and then transitioned to higher education at Appalachian State University and have been there for the last 15 years.
00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:59.839
So number of jobs, um, I think I've had about six.
00:08:00.240 --> 00:08:00.720
Gotcha.
00:08:01.759 --> 00:08:19.120
And I love to tell the story of that job progression, that career progression to students when we're talking about networking and the value of networking, because every single one of those jobs that I got, I never applied to through a portal.
00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:23.839
It was always through relationships and people that I met in the community.
00:08:24.079 --> 00:08:31.120
So yeah, it's an excellent, excellent point to make and and kind of you know, a side question to this.
00:08:31.279 --> 00:08:45.039
Uh when when you first saw your progression taking you kind of to where you are now, was it, you know, again networking that, but was it like the the supportive voice that said, hey, you know, you ought to consider doing this, or was it a little bit more deliberate than that?
00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:48.080
Like, hey, I've got a job for you, you should come and apply for that.
00:08:48.960 --> 00:08:56.960
It was it was always during interactions where I was doing maybe a different job.
00:08:57.519 --> 00:09:03.840
So, for example, a a job that I had in college, um, I waited tables at sunrise.
00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:08.480
Um, and it was fast and quick paced, and I loved it, and you met all kinds of people.
00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:10.159
I met a business owner.
00:09:10.320 --> 00:09:14.879
Um, so while I was working that job, and he was like, Hey, you want to come work for me?
00:09:15.120 --> 00:09:27.919
And so it was after spending time with people and developing those relationships, even if they were just short stints um or or longer, um, those opportunities would present themselves.
00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:34.320
And so it was it was never an intentional uh transaction for me.
00:09:34.559 --> 00:09:36.960
It was oftentimes by happenstance.
00:09:37.120 --> 00:09:44.159
Um, but I started putting myself in those spaces over and over again, knowing that that would be the result.
00:09:44.320 --> 00:09:44.480
Yeah.
00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:49.919
So I love the fact that Sunrise Grill is like the the career portal uh to the high country.
00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.840
Who needs indeed when you've got sunrise grill?
00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:52.559
Exactly.
00:09:52.799 --> 00:09:59.440
Um, well, a lot of what you've you've just described is is part of what is the the guts behind AppState Works.
00:09:59.600 --> 00:10:02.159
So tell us a little bit about what the program consists of.
00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:02.639
Sure.
00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:25.120
Um AppState Works is a workforce and experiential learning um initiative that is designed to provide professional opportunities to our current college students and not just business majors, but campus-wide, um, trying to increase the number of professional opportunities that they have right here in their hometown.
00:10:25.279 --> 00:10:35.919
Um, in addition, we want to try to provide opportunities for local employers to really build out their pipelines and to help with the current workforce development issues that we have here.
00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:47.919
Yeah, I know there's been a lot of conversation around apprenticeships and internships at various levels of state government, all the way down into the nooks and crannies of higher ed and different education partners.
00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:56.799
What is it about this program that makes AppState Works a little bit different than what may have been spun up in years past, even on campus for that matter?
00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:57.440
Sure.
00:10:57.519 --> 00:11:06.960
Um, AppState Works, one piece that I'm really excited about is that is this is gonna go far beyond a traditional internship experience.
00:11:07.200 --> 00:11:16.399
These students will be placed in a cohort style program where there'll be several of them and several employee employers together.
00:11:16.480 --> 00:11:26.000
Um, and it's gonna be a work-based learning experience where our teams and career services will be providing them with professional development opportunities.
00:11:26.159 --> 00:11:35.200
So workshops based on leadership, communication skills, uh, workplace practices, and general career readiness.
00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:41.919
So we're hoping to layer that on top of their internship experience while it's happening at the same time.
00:11:42.159 --> 00:11:47.519
In addition to that, we want to really immerse them in our community.
00:11:47.679 --> 00:12:13.759
So we're going to involve them in um community service projects so they can be exposed to the many wonderful local nonprofits that we have in our area, cultural experiences, um, and plenty of networking opportunities that they can meet with several employers in our area, um, but also gain access and between their peers and go through that process together.
00:12:14.159 --> 00:12:22.000
Interesting that that this comes at a time where I think efficiency in higher education is probably at its all-time most important piece.
00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:28.240
You know, you've got rising costs of education mixed with kids that want to get through and get onto the career path.
00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:33.840
Is that part of why programs like this to help bring all this stuff together are so important right now?
00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:35.440
We hear so much about them.
00:12:35.759 --> 00:12:36.720
Yes, 100%.
00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:43.120
I think everyone is looking for the ROI of their education and what is happening next.
00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:48.559
And I think that students totally understand that it's not just about the degree today.
00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:50.559
Um, it is way, way more than that.
00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:54.799
And for our employers as well, they are looking to build this pipeline.
00:12:54.960 --> 00:13:02.159
Um, but research shows um based on the National Association of Colleges and Employers, that's NACE for short.
00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:10.559
Um, that is an organization that we fall back on for statistics and support in career readiness areas.
00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:25.759
Um but they show that when students have experiential learning opportunities, professional opportunities like this, in 2024, 62% of the students that did those internships received full-time offers.
00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:36.639
And across the board, they're receiving higher salary offers and just general more satisfaction about the careers that they're lending because of these opportunities.
00:13:36.960 --> 00:13:46.240
So it it's not just the degree now, it's the professional opportunities, getting the hands-on experience with these employers that is making the difference.
00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:53.279
That's building stronger resumes, it's giving the students more confidence and overall just general career satisfaction.
00:13:53.600 --> 00:14:06.799
You know, uh we were talking earlier about career paths and and our own journeys professionally, but you know, you go back to the point in time where I remember leaving high school, going to college, being in college, it was all about go get an internship.
00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:08.960
Just go see what it's like, and then that will be it.
00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:17.919
But that was so late in the academic calendar that by the end of your junior year, if you went and had a bad internship experience, it was like, okay, well, uh, four years just became six.
00:14:18.080 --> 00:14:18.320
Yes.
00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:40.639
You know, so uh is is this program designed to kind of help iron out some of those those things that that may show up as blips or at least identify them earlier so um a student can see, hey, this is the actual field I'm going into, maybe as a sophomore instead of so late in the academic career where there's less time to turn the car, so to speak.
00:14:40.960 --> 00:14:48.159
Yes, we we want we want them to be thinking those wheels to be turning freshman, sophomore, and junior year.
00:14:48.320 --> 00:14:52.399
We would love them to have multiple internship opportunities before they graduate.
00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:56.159
Also understanding that internships, it's a two-way street.
00:14:56.480 --> 00:15:06.559
So this is an extended interview process for an employer, but it's also an interview process for these students to realize, uh-oh, I don't want to do that for the rest of my life.
00:15:06.799 --> 00:15:09.120
I did it for three months, that was great.
00:15:09.360 --> 00:15:11.759
Moving on, let's find a different career path.
00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:27.440
It is way better to figure that out in your sophomore or junior year than to graduate, get the degree, and be stuck as an accountant or a manager or whatever it is that you realize that was not my fit because I I didn't take the opportunity to practice.
00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:34.399
Well, and and I wonder if, you know, we we all hope that kid goes through Abstate Works and and they get that perfect alignment.
00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:39.279
But for the ones that maybe do find, hey, this was not for me, thought it was cool, but maybe not.
00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:49.840
Um, how does a program like AbState Works help give them the redirect to make sure that, all right, well, if it wasn't this, let's let's try to get down the road towards something that is attainable or exciting?
00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:50.559
Definitely.
00:15:50.639 --> 00:16:04.159
So I think it's the additional networking opportunities that we're gonna provide to them, to the host of employers across a variety of industries that we want to have present within uh this program.
00:16:04.559 --> 00:16:07.840
Um so that way, first of all, they're getting the practice, right?
00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:12.000
The more practice we have, the easier it is to strike up those conversations.
00:16:12.159 --> 00:16:21.600
But also it's awareness, it's engaging and learning about these different industries where you're like, huh, that wasn't an option for me or anything that I thought before.
00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:26.879
But now I've met this person, they're warm, they're friendly, they're giving me some basic information.
00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:39.039
Um, it opens the doors to have those conversations and it gives them more options that um and and I have this conversation with students all the time in coaching appointments.
00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:44.960
They get so locked into I'm a finance major, I have to go work for a bank.
00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:58.080
No, a bank has so many different lines of business that they could access while they're there, and a bank wants you to be with their company for 20 years and maybe you have 10 different jobs.
00:16:58.159 --> 00:17:04.240
Uh, but they could be in marketing, they could be in human resources, or they could be the bean counter, right?
00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:12.880
Um, so it's it's exposing students to understand that they're they are not locked in to one thing for the rest of their life.
00:17:13.039 --> 00:17:17.839
And I think they all have that fear that I'm gonna have to be an accountant for the rest of my life.
00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:20.720
And no, the the sky's the limit.
00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:27.519
And I think that I have a great example of that of having two careers um during my time and in so many different jobs.
00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:32.079
More with Amy Odom as we discuss App State Works right after this.
00:17:32.240 --> 00:17:33.759
You are listening to MindYour Business.
00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:39.680
Appalachian Commercial Real Estate provides professional commercial real estate services in the Boone area.
00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:46.079
They provide sales, leasing, consulting, and appraisal services to owners and users of commercial real estate.
00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:51.039
For more information, go to their website at Appalachian CRE.com.
00:17:51.200 --> 00:17:52.319
Welcome back to Mind Your Business.
00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:53.200
I'm David Jackson.
00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:58.000
We continue our conversation with Amy Odom as we discuss AppState Works.
00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:01.440
Let's talk AppState Works from the employer's perspective a bit.
00:18:01.599 --> 00:18:07.839
What is the benefit to uh, especially a local employer, being able to partner with the university in a program like this?
00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:08.640
Definitely.
00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:12.640
So I think it goes well beyond recruiting.
00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:15.759
Um it it extends beyond that.
00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:20.400
And these employers are going to be a part of an amazing network.
00:18:20.640 --> 00:18:24.319
So in our first year, we want to launch with 10 companies.
00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:29.759
I would hope that in year two, year three, year four, that we're up to 50 companies.
00:18:29.920 --> 00:18:36.559
Um, so that is that's a lot of leadership that they would have access to right here in our hometown.
00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:47.440
So these interactions, this program that I'm designing, it's for the benefit of the students, but we want to incorporate the employers so they get a little extra out of it as well.
00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:59.839
So they're going to be able to come to our workshop sessions, um our leadership development programs uh that we'll be offering, and then just the general benefits of networking with the peers in the community.
00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:07.519
When you you talk about businesses, I think a lot of people will think, hey, you know, I'm I'm a two-person shop.
00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:10.079
I I probably don't have the bandwidth for this kind of thing.
00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:15.759
Is there a size limitation or specific industries that you're really trying to make sure that you're focusing on?
00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:16.400
Definitely.
00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:19.759
No, we we welcome all sizes, all shapes.
00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:30.559
Um, we do have some industries that we would love uh love to welcome that align with the North Carolina Chamber and the and and also the industries that we have um within our area.
00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:32.960
So, and not just limited to business.
00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:40.559
So we're we're partnering with our Central Career Development Center on campus to make sure that we are covering all of our bases.
00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:56.480
Um, manufacturing will be included in that, supply chain and logistics, healthcare administration, marketing and sales, financial services, human resources, um, technology, uh, and of course our valued nonprofits.
00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:59.839
And so it it won't just be the business side.
00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:02.559
We we want it all accounted for and in all sizes.
00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:07.759
So when you you look up from now, I know you talked about progression in terms of number of businesses uh around.
00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:12.240
If you looked up three to five years from now, what what do you feel like you would like to see this program look like?
00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:16.160
What are what are your goals for for the entire the entire thing?
00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:22.000
So I would love to have at least 50 companies, and we can't do that just within Boone.
00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:26.400
We're aware we're we're a small town here and we we love we love our size.
00:20:26.559 --> 00:20:38.960
Um but with the addition of our Hickory campus, I think that we're able to expand into Catawba and Caldwell counties and partner with the employers, um, some that may be on a larger scale that can take on volume.
00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:44.559
And if you design an internship for one person, you can scale that for five or ten.
00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:49.839
Um, as long as you know you've got the the resources that you need to supervise that.
00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:53.279
Our team in career services can help you build that.
00:20:53.440 --> 00:21:05.920
And so if you don't have an internship program and you don't know where to start, we have resources, we have workshops, we have a team of people that can help provide you structure and ideas.
00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:14.559
So maybe it's a rotational-based program where it's not just one person that's having to supervise the student and give them all the tasks that need to be done.
00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:21.680
Maybe they're rotating from accounting to HR to um to the logistics side.
00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:31.440
Um, so that way they learn all about the company and all those different areas, and it's not just one person that has to manage the responsibility of making sure they have a quality experience.
00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:40.960
You know, when I was on campus back in the late 90s, um, to date myself here a little bit, uh, the the push was to take that internship experience off the mountain.
00:21:41.119 --> 00:21:48.799
You know, whether that's where you're going home for the summer or you find somewhere that you have to kind of immerse yourself in a new community, and it was always about being away from here.
00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:53.359
But this is very targeted toward the local community of Western North Carolina as a whole.
00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:54.640
What's the benefit of that?
00:21:54.880 --> 00:22:01.039
Um so there's a really good reason um why while we are trying to bring these opportunities to Western North Carolina.
00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:06.640
So currently about 52% of our business students do one or more internships before they graduate.
00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:09.200
And a lot of people are like, wow, that's amazing.
00:22:09.440 --> 00:22:11.039
First of all, I want that to be 100%.
00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:16.720
Every single student student should have some type of professional experience before they leave.
00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:23.680
However, the 52% that do it, typically they're going to metropolitan areas to find those opportunities.
00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:31.359
Um the the volume of those uh opportunities are gonna be in Charlotte, the triad, or the triangle.
00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:33.920
And so they're looking in those spaces.
00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:36.319
Um it's it's not equitable though.
00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:38.000
It's very, very expensive.
00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:40.079
So we know how much rent costs in Boone.
00:22:40.400 --> 00:22:48.400
So these students are are housed here, paying for the rent here, finding an internship in Charlotte, and having to pay for housing there as well.
00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:54.480
That is not feasible to pay for two living arrangements uh for any family.
00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:57.440
I mean, the thought of having to pay for one at this point, right?
00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.319
That's right.
00:22:58.480 --> 00:22:58.960
That's right.
00:22:59.200 --> 00:23:04.720
And so that's why we we wanna we wanna break down that financial barrier for our students.
00:23:04.880 --> 00:23:13.839
Um, because if they can't go home and live with mom and dad to do this internship, if they can't find affordable housing, they're opting out of doing the internship at all.
00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:21.039
And so what better way but to provide those opportunities here where they're already paying rent and we can we can remove that barrier.
00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:23.440
And you get the benefit of a high country summer.
00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:26.160
That's what gets you hooked on places like this for sure.
00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:29.359
Um this program's got a lot of pieces to it.
00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:34.000
I would imagine there are an equal number of partners who have helped make this happen.
00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:37.279
Uh, how did AppState Works get started from that perspective?
00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:38.160
Definitely.
00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:45.759
So we are super excited to collaborate with, and it's gonna take a village um to make this kind of program happen.
00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:49.519
And so I did already mention um the Central Career Development Center.
00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:58.960
So if folks don't know, um we are unique um on our campus in that we have a Central Career Development Center that supports all 20,000 students at App State.
00:23:59.119 --> 00:24:04.319
So that's all the majors and all the industries that that correlate.
00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:15.599
Um, because we're the largest college of business in the UNC system currently with almost over 5,000 students, we need our own team uh of career services uh in the college of business.
00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:20.160
And so our two areas partner frequently on programs.
00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:24.000
We're working towards the same goals, trying to support the same students.
00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:26.400
Um, so it makes sense for us to do that together.
00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:36.960
And so we are heavily partnering with Jennifer and her team in the Central Career Development Center to make sure that all of the industries and all of the academic disciplines are covered.
00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:41.440
In addition to that, we've got some really fantastic partners in our community.
00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:46.559
Our friends here in the Boon Area Chamber of Commerce are gonna be one very vital uh partner.
00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:47.359
Imagine that.
00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:48.319
Imagine that.
00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:55.200
We've had some fantastic conversations um and support with our Caldwell and Catawa Chambers as well.
00:24:55.440 --> 00:25:00.799
And then it's it's gonna take alumni, community leaders, business owners.
00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:06.079
So there will be plenty of people that have their hands uh involved in this project to make it work.
00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:18.960
So, you know, business may hear about this program that opens the door to thinking, well, hey, maybe App State works is something we can build toward, but what are other ways that we can get engaged and have those student interactions?
00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:21.200
And I I feel like that kind of ebbs and flows with time.
00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:29.039
You get an alum that's got a business that's really dialed into that, then maybe the person that opens up next to them doesn't know about the power of AppState yet, so it takes a minute.
00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:31.519
But what are some of those other opportunities for immersion?
00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:32.319
Definitely.
00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:38.160
So we actually have an event happening next week called Walker Internship Expo.
00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:44.799
And we are targeting the local companies that we want to be a part of AppState Works to come.
00:25:44.880 --> 00:25:54.960
This is gonna be a recruiting event where they can set a table, um, provide information directly to students about the internships or roles that they are actively hiring for.
00:25:55.200 --> 00:26:03.200
Our students are gonna come prepared with their resumes and their elevator pitches to talk about why they're great fit for your internship or your job.
00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:07.440
And so that is next week on Tuesday, November 3rd.
00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:11.440
Um, it'll be in Peacock Hall with all of the lovely construction.
00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:16.000
Uh don't worry, there'll be plenty of parking because the event is from 5 to 7 p.m.
00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:24.480
So we want folks to be able to close up shop that day, our students to get out of their classes and have two hours to engage with one another to figure this out.
00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.200
Wonderful.
00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:32.400
Well, if there's a business that might not be able to attend that event, but they're interested in AppState works in general, how can they get connected?
00:26:32.640 --> 00:26:33.119
Absolutely.
00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:35.680
So they can direct directly contact me.
00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:46.720
So my email is odumah one at appstate.edu, or they can go to our website and that's businesscareers at app at dot appstate.edu.
00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:52.880
Um so those are two great ways that they can get more resource, more information, and figure out contact information for me.
00:26:53.200 --> 00:27:02.240
And then uh kind of in a in a broader sense, you know, there are constantly evolving workforce development efforts that are going on around this region.
00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:15.759
We just got another dose of that through the uh economic recovery plan that the the state just put out for Western North Carolina, and and you see emphasis on things like healthcare careers, you mentioned that earlier, but life sciences, tourism, all those types of things.
00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:30.960
How does this program measure the industries that are are in need and and how will you continue to do that as as time moves on and needs change as Helene recovery continues and Lord knows what we get into next around here?
00:27:31.279 --> 00:27:51.359
Um I mean, I think direct involvement with our chambers um certainly informs uh what what's happening here in our local community and uh and of course on the the the statewide uh level, um our uh National Association of Colleges and Employers and then our business advisory council um within the college of business.
00:27:51.440 --> 00:28:03.680
So we have a team of industry professionals um that we bring to campus several times a year that helps inform us of what's happening in industry, how do our students need to be prepared, how are they not prepared?
00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:06.079
Um, and that's also our current employers.
00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:13.440
They are the first ones to tell us, hey, the students are falling short, or this is happening in the pipeline, this is coming up next.
00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:21.920
Um, so we have a lot of different partners that we uh try to help us keep informed so our students are ready for the next thing that's happening.
00:28:22.160 --> 00:28:38.559
Well, I have to let you close by getting a plug-in for Women of Walker because I know that's an area that that we've interfaced many, many times before, but there's so many interesting parallels to this, and I wonder how much of Women of Walker and that professional development, listening to what what needs to be brought in inspired this.
00:28:38.720 --> 00:28:41.839
There there feels like there's a little DNA of Women and Walker inside this.
00:28:42.319 --> 00:28:42.799
Absolutely.
00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:46.720
So we um that that was several years in the making.
00:28:46.799 --> 00:29:05.599
Uh Women of Walker is a professional development program uh for students in the College of Business, uh, many first generation that may not have some of those basic professional skills that employers are requiring that they have uh when they when they're hiring for these positions.
00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:18.400
And so we ever since 2014, we have put over 400 students um through that program partnering with employers to help support that program piece.
00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:23.200
So I want to be the cool aunt and not the naggie mom, right?
00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:29.519
And so if I'm the one coming in presenting this information all the time, they're gonna be like, I'm tired of hearing from you, Amy, you know.
00:29:29.759 --> 00:29:39.119
But if we can bring industry professionals in from different industries and show these students directly, see, touch and feel, right?
00:29:39.440 --> 00:30:05.680
Um, what these industries are about, maybe the the hardships that these women or uh industry professionals have experienced along the way, it gives them something tangible um to hold on to, to work towards, and it gives them the confidence to keep um making these connections, understanding the value of networking and to start practicing building that now.
00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:13.519
So the more opportunities we can put in front of our students to where they can practice, it becomes second nature.
00:30:13.599 --> 00:30:22.480
Um, and then it's not them nervous in the corner, um worried about making a jerk of themselves and not saying the right thing.
00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:28.880
Um, they feel confident about making those connections, maintaining those networks moving forward.
00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:32.559
Um, because like I said, we started in the beginning of this conversation.
00:30:32.880 --> 00:30:39.279
Every job that I've gotten has been through relationships, been through the connections, the conversations that I've had.
00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:46.079
So we want that's gold standard for the College of Business is to bring business to campus as often as possible.
00:30:46.319 --> 00:30:54.799
Um, to to allow students to practice in person, to see touch and feel what business is all about.
00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:57.519
Um, and so then it's second nature.
00:30:57.599 --> 00:31:01.200
Um, and it's not a challenge for them to move forward and make these connections.
00:31:01.440 --> 00:31:04.640
Well, congratulations on on so many students coming through that program.
00:31:04.720 --> 00:31:05.839
That that's truly amazing.
00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:11.359
And what is also I I think a major part to that is that you've had so many repeat mentors over the years.
00:31:11.440 --> 00:31:15.279
Yes, and and people that get excited about the time for that process to start.
00:31:15.440 --> 00:31:17.759
Um, for for mentor recruitment.
00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:18.960
What does that look like?
00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:22.880
And if somebody was interested in maybe hearing more about that, how can they get involved?
00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:23.279
Yes.
00:31:23.359 --> 00:31:26.640
So we did we added the mentoring component um a few years ago.
00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:41.839
This might be our fourth year with the mentor component where we're partnering our Watago women in leadership and also members from the chamber, business owners from the community, pairing them with these students to learn directly.
00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:44.880
And so we are launching that application.
00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:47.839
So first we offer it to our returning mentors.
00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:52.880
We give them first right of refusal to take on that responsibility for another program.
00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:57.279
And so typically we have about half that want to stay and do it again.
00:31:57.440 --> 00:32:02.720
And so uh we almost always have 30 students uh in the program.
00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:06.880
So we'll need at least 30 mentors to match with them.
00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:13.680
And so that application should be live next week after I know how many mentors are returning for the upcoming year.
00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:24.240
And that recruitment process will go through the end of the year, and we will start with the program with the students in January, and then that runs until early the beginning of May.
00:32:24.400 --> 00:32:26.960
Um, we can't do it beyond the semester.
00:32:27.119 --> 00:32:31.680
So um basically, once that semester is over, that segment of the program is over.
00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:32.400
Gotcha.
00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:42.480
Um last question for you, and and uh appreciate all this information, and and I know that people are listening and thinking there's a way for me to plug in here, there's a way for me to plug in here, and it can get overwhelming.
00:32:42.640 --> 00:32:53.359
Uh, you've worked with enough businesses in this community that have partnered with the university for anybody that feels like there's a barrier of entry or just a little bit uh uh intimidated by where do I start?
00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:58.160
What would be your advice to them in in in terms of matching their business up with these programs or other things?
00:32:58.400 --> 00:32:58.880
Definitely.
00:32:59.119 --> 00:33:02.079
So our website is a fantastic resource.
00:33:02.240 --> 00:33:06.000
It is a place to complete an action, it is not stagnant information.
00:33:06.240 --> 00:33:11.039
We want you to go there and we have all of the ways that you can get involved.
00:33:11.359 --> 00:33:15.279
We have an amazing employer relations manager on our team.
00:33:15.440 --> 00:33:24.960
Her name is Jackie Garner, and it is her job to know where these employers want a vacation, what their dogs' names are, what they like to do in their spare time.
00:33:25.200 --> 00:33:31.839
She's there to get to know the employer, the needs of their business, and then we are the matchmakers in career services.
00:33:32.079 --> 00:33:41.839
We get to know the students, our coaches meet with them one-on-one, learn what their goals are, where they want to go next, and then we can matchmake and put those two pieces together.
00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:53.440
So Jackie Garner is a great resource, our website is a great resource, and anyone is available to call or email me directly anytime, and I'm happy to provide what they need to get plugged in with our students.
00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:58.559
Well, uh, we can't thank you enough for keeping us plugged into all of these efforts.
00:33:58.640 --> 00:34:02.000
Uh, you know, your your seat on the board of directors is a very active one here.
00:34:02.319 --> 00:34:11.599
Uh but uh but we we look forward to uh to hearing more about the evolution of AppState Works and and uh continuing to connect businesses with all of the different programs that the university has to offer.
00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:13.039
Thanks for having me.
00:34:13.280 --> 00:34:22.800
Thanks to Amy for taking the time to discuss AppState Works, another tool in helping our next generation of workforce just have a better idea about what they're getting into.
00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:25.119
I think that's what's amazing about this community.
00:34:25.280 --> 00:34:31.119
The pipeline for such exploration here is rather deep, considering a rural status.
00:34:31.280 --> 00:34:32.480
Think about this for a second.
00:34:32.639 --> 00:34:38.400
You could be a middle school student in a CTE course that gets you excited about, let's say, a career in healthcare.
00:34:38.559 --> 00:34:51.519
That could lead to dual enrollment college credit-earning classes at Watauga High School, where there you could become part of Rise Caldwell Watauga and receive a paid apprenticeship at Watauga Medical Center while you were in high school.
00:34:51.679 --> 00:34:59.840
Then let's say you head to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, complete that associate's degree, and head to AppState to turn that into a four-year degree.
00:35:00.079 --> 00:35:12.719
There, AppState Works will be able to offer continued professional development and another paid opportunity to work within the field, all of this before you think about the first step of the true career pathway.
00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:17.360
That's a ton of experience on a resume for someone just starting out.
00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:25.199
And if you make it to the end of that path and into a healthcare career, there should be zero surprises about what you're getting into.
00:35:25.440 --> 00:35:30.719
All of that exploration can occur right inside the boundaries of Watauga County.
00:35:30.960 --> 00:35:32.400
Pretty cool place we live, right?
00:35:32.639 --> 00:35:34.800
You are listening to mind your business.
00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:38.960
Are you a young professional looking to expand your network?
00:35:39.039 --> 00:35:51.599
The High Country Young Professionals affectionately dubbed the High Country Young Pros, is a dedicated group of 200 plus professional young adults under the age of 40 serving in various industries across the high country.
00:35:51.760 --> 00:35:57.039
Join us for a casual networking event on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m.
00:35:57.360 --> 00:35:59.519
As we visit locations across the high country.
00:35:59.679 --> 00:36:00.960
Events are free of charge.
00:36:01.119 --> 00:36:03.039
However, donations are appreciated.
00:36:03.360 --> 00:36:04.400
Not a chamber member?
00:36:04.559 --> 00:36:05.199
That's okay.
00:36:05.440 --> 00:36:07.039
No membership needed to join us.
00:36:07.199 --> 00:36:08.880
You just have to be under 40.
00:36:09.039 --> 00:36:15.280
Learn more about high country GoPros at foodchamber.com slash H C YP.
00:36:18.719 --> 00:36:19.840
Mind your business.
00:36:20.000 --> 00:36:26.239
Brought to you by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, offering sales, leasing, consulting, and appraisal services.
00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:29.280
Visit Appalachian CRE.com.
00:36:30.719 --> 00:36:42.079
By the time we bring you a new episode of the show, November will be here, and somewhere a high country family is starting to think about cooking Thanksgiving dinner, getting hungry just thinking about all of this.
00:36:42.320 --> 00:36:46.320
That means that holiday shopping season is also just around the corner.
00:36:46.480 --> 00:36:50.960
Make sure you check out the Chambers Holiday Shop Local campaign for 2026.
00:36:51.119 --> 00:36:59.599
This year's package is intended for retail, restaurant, and experience-based businesses with a holiday gift, product, or experience to promote.
00:36:59.760 --> 00:37:27.039
For$325, your package includes a featured spot in the Holiday Shop Local email, which is sent out to over 3,800 contacts within the Boon Area Chamber of Commerce network, two posts on our Facebook and Instagram accounts with a combined 26,000 followers there, a collaborative photo post, and you're featured in a weekly reel with the Boone Area Chamber staff pairing participating businesses together to celebrate local shopping and encourage community connection.
00:37:27.280 --> 00:37:32.000
We also have placement on the Holiday Shop Local page on the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce website.
00:37:32.239 --> 00:37:34.079
Mention on Mind Your Business.
00:37:34.159 --> 00:37:35.519
You could be right here.
00:37:35.679 --> 00:37:40.800
We'll start doing those weekly as we move into later November.
00:37:40.880 --> 00:37:44.880
And that, of course, is heard on WATA Radio and other streaming platforms.
00:37:45.119 --> 00:37:46.960
A couple of new features for this year.
00:37:47.119 --> 00:37:59.760
Our holiday shop local list will be featured in a digital ad with the Mountain Times, and those participating businesses can get a discount for High Country Radio's Santa's hitting the highway campaign.
00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:07.840
So consider those things as you consider whether or not your business might match up for the holiday shop local advertising package this year.
00:38:08.000 --> 00:38:12.559
Now there's also another new feature that has nothing to do with the holiday shop local advertising package.
00:38:12.719 --> 00:38:14.400
This is just for chamber members.
00:38:14.559 --> 00:38:19.679
Your business can wear the cheer all season with a holiday shop local t-shirt.
00:38:19.840 --> 00:38:26.719
Again, that's available to chamber member businesses in two colors Royal Pie and Green or Stonewash Denim.
00:38:26.880 --> 00:38:38.800
Those t-shirts are$20 a piece, and they are meant for businesses to outfit your staff in the type of gear that will remind customers to shop local every time they walk through your door.
00:38:38.960 --> 00:38:47.599
This is an easy way to spice up the staff swag for the holidays and encourage people to catch the spirit of spending their dollars in a way that benefits local businesses.
00:38:47.760 --> 00:38:51.119
The presale for those shirts ends Friday, November 6th.
00:38:51.280 --> 00:38:55.679
Orders will be ready for pickup beginning Wednesday, November 18th between 10 a.m.
00:38:55.840 --> 00:38:56.559
and 3 p.m.
00:38:56.719 --> 00:39:00.719
at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce office here in Boone on Greenway Road.
00:39:00.880 --> 00:39:06.079
Special thanks to our partners at Imprints for making this program possible.
00:39:06.239 --> 00:39:08.559
Again, this is available to all chamber members.
00:39:08.719 --> 00:39:14.159
You can check out details on all things holiday shop local at Boonechamber.com.
00:39:14.480 --> 00:39:16.880
You are listening to Mind Your Business.
00:39:20.400 --> 00:39:28.239
Two quick events to close out on, High Country Young Professionals meets next Wednesday, that's November 3rd, for their next social gathering.
00:39:28.320 --> 00:39:31.840
That's at FA Fitness Tover in Glowing Rock from 5 to 7.
00:39:32.079 --> 00:39:41.920
The following week, the next Business After Hours event at Mountain Community Bank in Boone, that also from 5 to 7 on Thursday, November 12th, in RSVP.
00:39:42.079 --> 00:39:48.320
For both of those events, understanding one is age appropriate, but you can still below BooneCamber.com.
00:39:48.480 --> 00:39:50.400
That'll do it for this week's Mind Your Business.
00:39:50.480 --> 00:39:54.079
This program is written and produced this week by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.
00:39:54.239 --> 00:40:00.800
Thanks to North Carolina's small market radio station of the year, WATA, for placing us on the airwaves each and every week.
00:40:00.960 --> 00:40:07.440
And as always, thanks to James Milner and the team at Appalachian Commercial Real Estate for making this podcast version of this program possible.
00:40:07.599 --> 00:40:09.840
If you have yet to subscribe, fix that today.
00:40:10.079 --> 00:40:12.480
Search for Mind Your Business wherever you get your podcast.
00:40:12.719 --> 00:40:16.559
You can visit us online at foodchamber.com as well.
00:40:16.960 --> 00:40:19.440
Until next week, so long, everybody.
