The document summarizes key points from Jennifer Fisher's presentation on the Graduate Retention Program and the job market in Fort Wayne. It notes that Fort Wayne has the highest job growth rate in the nation, but companies still struggle to find qualified talent. Internships and networking are important for helping graduates find jobs. The Graduate Retention Program works with employers in Northeast Indiana to develop internships for students and recent graduates.

1. Jennifer Fisher, Graduate Retention Program Manager
Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce

6. “We have a monster jobs problem, and young
people are the biggest losers,”
Andrew Sum, Economist and Director of the Center for Labor Market
Studies at Northeastern University

10. The Fiscal Times issued an article last week stating that the
Fort Wayne metro area has the highest job growth rate in
the nation!!!
YES, they said Fort Wayne!!!

11. Be a SUPER candidate

18. According to NACE, in 2011, companies
surveyed indicated that more than 58% of their
new hires were interns at their company
42.3 % of college seniors who had internship experience and
applied for a job received at least one job offer
VERSES 30.7 % without internship experience .

19. Top 5 Soft Skills Employers Want
1. Verbal Communication Skills
2. Work Ethic
3. Teamwork
4. Analytical Skills
5. Initiative NACE, 2010

20. ManpowerGroup reports that 52% of U.S. employers
surveyed say they have difficulty filling positions
because of talent shortages

22. According to a recent survey by the Department of
Labor, networking accounts for at least 69% of all
annual hires.
Networking is one of the BEST ways to find
a job or internship.

24. What is the
Graduate Retention
Program doing to
help you?

28. GRP has worked with more
than 800 employers to
develop more than 2800
internships in Northeast
Indiana

29. • Full day of video gaming, problem solving competition hosted
by Design Collaborative, a regional robotics competition, guest
speakers, employers, universities, and others
• Open to all Northeast Indiana High School’s to bring a team of
students to compete. Teachers, parents, and community
members are able to come as observers
• March 10, 2012
• To be held at the Lantern Reception Hall

33. Jennifer Fisher, Program Manager
jfisher@fwchamber.org
www.twitter.com/jenfisherfw
Graduate Retention Program
260-424-1435
www.indianaintern.net