Talent For Ohio
Why OFIC and Talent
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) connects employers and students across our 31 member campus network because even with advancing technology, people are still one of the most important assets in any business.
OFIC has a long-standing history and vast network of business partners who generously support independent colleges and the students attending our 31 member campuses. With over 70,000 students enrolled at the OFIC independent college campuses, both employers and students are seeking introductions and access to one another that fosters industry awareness, promotes career pathways, and provides work-based learning opportunities that strengthen an organization's talent pipeline and help students enhance their knowledge, skills, and experience to build a competitive resume and start their career. OFIC is the common thread that's bridging gaps and making meaningful connections thanks to our robust employer and independent college networks.
Building on these connections, OFIC plays a key role in preparing students for the workforce by supporting career readiness initiatives that connect learning with real-world experience.
Connections Matter
TalentedU is a student career-readiness experience that equips OFIC member campus students with the skills and competencies they need to boost their career readiness and become more competitive in seeking internships and full-time jobs.
TalentedU
Preparing Students for Career Connections
The program includes eight online modules that students can complete at their own pace or with a faculty or staff member.
Modules are aligned with National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) competencies, ensuring they are practical and relevant.
Students earn a Credly digital badge for each module they complete, showcasing their achievements and skills
Employers: please consider supporting TalentedU’s growth and helping students earn Credly badges. Contact Melanie Garrabrant to learn more.
TalentedU Success Stories
How students are making the most of this unique program
Kappa Sigma Pi
This was THE BEST EVENT EVER This was THE BEST EVENT EVER This was THE BEST EVENT EVER
Kappa Sigma Pi
This was THE BEST EVENT EVER This was THE BEST EVENT EVER This was THE BEST EVENT EVER
Kappa Sigma Pi
This was THE BEST EVENT EVER This was THE BEST EVENT EVER This was THE BEST EVENT EVER
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TalentedU for Capital fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi
Delta Sigma Pi students from Capital University got an inside look at TalentedU’s approach to equity, inclusion, and career development, engaging actively throughout the session. The fraternity’s leaders said it was one of their strongest programs yet and even more impactful than last year’s DEI event.
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Tiffin University Integrates TalentedU into Curriculum
Dragons etc. line from Bethani. Delta Sigma Pi students from Capital University got an inside look at TalentedU’s approach to equity, inclusion, and career development, engaging actively throughout the session. The fraternity’s leaders said it was one of their strongest programs
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Students are Promoting their Career-Readiness on LinkedIn
Students at Ohio’s first OFIC Manufacturing Expo, sponsored by Honda, got an inside look at modern manufacturing careers through hands-on activities and industry panels. The event inspired many to consider new career paths in the field.
Internships
Connections cultivate internships and careers.
Why Internships Matter:
Students whose internships expand their professional networks rate their career value 9.3 out of 10, compared with 5.5 out of 10 for those who do not.
Paid internships deliver the greatest boost in skills and connections, yet only one in four recent graduates have access to one.
We practice what we promote. OFIC hires interns across our 31 member campuses each semester, giving students hands-on experience while helping us run programs and initiatives.
For students: Our robust network of employers gives you access to internships that match your major and career goals, helping you gain real-world experience and build your professional skills.
For employers: These opportunities allow you to promote your company and industry while building your talent pipeline.
OFIC offers opportunities in three main categories:
Employer-Provided Internships
Positions offered directly by our employer network.
OFIC-Managed Internships
Internships organized and administered by OFIC.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Handshake for updates on internships and career opportunities. Click below to explore internships and to share your resume for upcoming opportunities.
Employer-Funded Internships
Paid internships supported financially by partner employers.
Next-Gen Non-Profit Leaders
An Internship and Leadership Program
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.
Fund regionally specific paid internships for students in diverse career pathways.
Build connections between students and employers to meet workforce needs.
OFIC partners with donors to:
Internship Success Stories
Real students - real companies.
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Shook/Quality Castings
Delta Sigma Pi students from Capital University got an inside look at TalentedU’s approach to equity, inclusion, and career development, engaging actively throughout the session. The fraternity’s leaders said it was one of their strongest programs yet and even more impactful than last year’s DEI event.
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Djami/Danielle/Maria
Dragons etc. line from Bethani
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LaTrice D. Snodgrass CEO, Beacon Charitable Pharmacy on Summer Intern Olivia
“Olivia brought professionalism, creativity, and dedication to every task, and her work has already begun bearing fruit. We are so grateful to OFIC and Employers Health for making this opportunity possible and for continuing to support nonprofit capacity building across Stark County.”
Career Events
OFIC, Member Campus and Partner Career-Related Events for Students
Our 31 campuses are buzzing with career-focused activities all year round. From workshops to networking events, there’s always something happening to help students grow professionally and employers find their next round of top talent. Visit our Career Events Page to see what’s coming up near you.
Event Success Stories
Students and professionals learning together
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Nicklas Lund, Capital University Student
“The Huntington event was great! I was able to connect with the leadership of Huntington and other fellow professionals. I’m looking forward to more events in the near future with OFIC partners. Truly was a pleasure representing the OFIC scholarship students and member campuses.”
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Student Experience at First Solar
Ohio has long been at the heart of American manufacturing, and organizations like First Solar, a valued OFIC donor partner, continue that tradition with innovation and global impact. On Friday, September 19, 2025, OFIC member campus students, staff, and faculty toured First Solar’s facility and got an inside look at its growing operations in Ohio.
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Students at First Merchants Bank's Economic Forecast event
"A powerful and life-changing experience"—that’s how one student described the First Merchants Bank’s Economic Forecast event, where OFIC scholars gained invaluable insights into the world of banking and finance.
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Manufacturing Expo+
Students at Ohio’s first OFIC Manufacturing Expo, sponsored by Honda, got an inside look at modern manufacturing careers through hands-on activities and industry panels. The event inspired many to consider new career paths in the field.
Support Talent for Ohio
Develop or 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.
Connect with OFIC – we’re looking for career innovators like you! Reach out to Melanie today and start the conversation
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!
