Talent For Ohio
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) connects students and employers to help build tomorrow’s talent.
Recent data from Strada underscores the impact of quality internships and work-based learning. Students who said their internships significantly expanded their professional networks rated their career value at 9.3 out of 10, compared with 5.5 among those who didn’t grow their networks. Paid internships, in particular, deliver the greatest boost in both skills and connections, yet only about one in four recent graduates report having access to one.
At the same time, liberal arts programs continue to face challenges such as the approaching enrollment cliff and a “translation chasm” between the skills students gain and how employers perceive them. Integrating experiential learning, like internships, co-ops, and project-based opportunities, helps bridge that gap by making critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving more visible and applicable in real-world settings.
OFIC’s network of 31 member campuses and employer partners helps close this gap by connecting students with hands-on experiences that strengthen both skills and professional networks. Whether you’re a student preparing to launch your career or an employer looking to engage with Ohio’s next generation of talent, OFIC provides the connections that make learning work.
TalentedU is a student career-readiness experience that aims to equip OFIC member campus students with the skills and competencies they need to boost their career readiness and become even more competitive in seeking internships and full-time jobs. The program consists of eight online modules that students can complete at their own pace or together with a faculty or staff member. These modules are carefully crafted to align with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) competencies, making them highly relevant and practical for students.
Career Readiness
TalentedU
OFIC invites support to:
Grow and update the TalentedU platform under the guidance of OFIC member campus faculty, staff, and students.
Provide students with access to digital badges.
Career Connections
Student Internships
Internship Opportunities
Our robust network of employers can provide you with ample opportunities to connect, learn about and apply for internships that align with your major and workforce pursuits after graduation.
Additionally, OFIC offers and manages several internships. Reach out to learn more, follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn, and we’re on Handshake too.
Internship Employers
OFIC has a variety of services and opportunities to help you connect with students and recruit talent for your organization. We know you want to leverage your talent recruitment budgets, attract and keep talent locally, and we’re with you! Let OFIC help you see a high return on your recruitment investment. Ask us about:
- How to build, grow or enhance an internship program within your company,
- Ways you can give to create more internship opportunities for students,
- Engaging events where you can connect with students in a meaningful way!
Career Communities
Discover internships offered by our trusted partners.
Browse opportunities by industry and expand each category to see internships available through our state-wide partners network.
Nick’s story
Talent for Ohio Success
Brian’s story
Regional Rising Talent
Internships provide students with invaluable hands-on experiential learning while helping employers develop a robust talent pipeline. Thanks to the generous support of corporate and foundation partners such as Employers Health and The Nord Family Foundation, these programs provide hands-on experience, professional growth, and pathways to success for students across Ohio.
OFIC partners with donors to:
Fund regionally specific paid internships for students in diverse career pathways.
Build connections between students and employers to meet workforce needs.
Support Career Events & Programming for Students
Career events connect students with industry professionals and inspire career exploration. Successful examples include:
Manufacturing Expo+: An event that links students with leaders in Ohio’s manufacturing industry through in-person and virtual events.
Student Employer Spotlights: Onsite (campus or organization headquarters) events to showcase career opportunities to interested and career-ready students.
OFIC collaborates with funders and sponsors to:
Cover event costs such as venue rentals, speaker fees, and travel expenses.
Create engaging, high-impact programs for students.
To stay ahead of workforce trends, career services leaders across our member campuses rely on ongoing professional development. That’s why we’ve launched Insider Innovations—a new series of in-person professional development events for our member-campus career services professionals.
Become an Insider Innovations Sponsor
Align your brand with thought leadership in career development.
Reach higher ed professionals shaping the future workforce.
Demonstrate your commitment to innovation, education, and talent development.
Sponsorship puts your organization front and center as we explore the latest trends and strategies for preparing students for success in today’s evolving job market.
Position Your Brand at the Center of Career Innovation
Meet Melanie
As the Director of Talent Connections, Melanie Garrabrant is here to help take your career-readiness journey to the next level. Whether you're an OFIC member campus student seeking valuable experiences or an Ohio employer looking to connect with top talent, Melanie can guide you every step of the way!
