Lunch N Learn today focused on Chamber interns

Through the Youth 180 program, administered through the Missouri Job Center, Destiney Speech has interned at the Callaway Chamber since summer. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today, the chamber's free Lunch N Learn program will be 'Internship 101,' how to get and what to do with an intern in order to mentor youth.
Through the Youth 180 program, administered through the Missouri Job Center, Destiney Speech has interned at the Callaway Chamber since summer. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today, the chamber's free Lunch N Learn program will be 'Internship 101,' how to get and what to do with an intern in order to mentor youth.

Westminster junior Destiney Speech is focused not just on her future, but the best way to get there.

Since August, she's been an intern at the Callaway Chamber of Commerce through the Youth 180 program. Along the way, she's picked up tools she can use throughout her career.

"Working here has been great," Speech said. "I've learned a lot from many people."

Today from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Chamber is hosting "Internship 101" during it's Lunch N Learn activity. The event is free; just come eat and learn.

"There will be three organizations speaking: Westminster, William Woods and Youth 180," said Tamara Tateosian, the chamber's executive director. "They will be educating businesses in the community about the benefits of having an intern."

Youth 180 is operated through the Missouri Job Center, next door to chamber offices on Market Street, downtown Fulton. The program pays the interns through the state, rather than the businesses paying the interns' salaries. Other kinds of programs offer interns college credit.

"It's about mentoring these youth and young adults, and giving them soft skills," Tateosian added. "These different programs can give these kids experiences and help them see if (that kind of job) is really what they want to do."

For Speech, a marketing major, her internship at the chamber opened new possibilities.

"I do see myself working at other chamber entities," Speech said.

Since being there, she's learned about operating machines and technology, learned about brand development, worked on the chamber website and created the chamber lobby's "Shop Local" display.

"I love it; it's fun," she said. "I've never had a bad day."

Speech has three weeks left on her internship, which was extended.

"I feel like everybody has equipped me with some great things for the future," she added.

Not only had Speech learned specific job duties, she's also made some great connections while working at the chamber.

"I'm constantly adding people that will be substantial to my life and who I can be substantial for," she said. "I'm very grateful and thankful for this experience."

The last Lunch N Learn for the year will be noon-1 p.m. Dec. 1, with the subject "Learn to Leverage Cloud Voice Technology to Create Better Customer Experiences," presented by Preston Sharp of Towner Communications Systems. For more information, contact Tina Knipfel at the chamber at 573-642-3055.