February 22, 2018
FORT WAYNE — Two Trine University students were chosen to be part of the Greater Fort Wayne Inc. (GFW) Fellows Class of 2018, a year-long experience aimed at helping them develop skills and helping Allen County retain top talent.
Conner Putman, a junior management major from Ridgefield, Connecticut, and John Anderson, a senior mechanical engineering major from Carmel, Indiana, were among 17 students selected though a competitive application and interview process by staff from GFW Inc. and 13 host companies.
The GFW Fellows program promotes an environment in which students, local companies and Allen County as a whole can benefit. Through the program, students receive a paid, project-based internship, free summer housing, personal development workshops, networking events and community service opportunities. Companies receive highly qualified interns who assist with critical projects — bolstering the companies’ talent pipelines and the interns’ resumes — many times leading to full-time employment. Allen County receives young professionals ready to contribute to a vibrant community.
Anderson has been awarded an internship at Triton Metal Products and Putman has been awarded a position at Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
“This program is a wonderful opportunity for students, companies of all sizes and our community,” said Eric Doden, CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “Every year, we hear stories of GFW Fellows who make substantial impacts at their host companies, and the students tend to fall in love with everything our area has to offer. It’s a tangible way to help retain talent here in Allen County.”
Students will attend monthly personal development workshops that focus on problem solving, communication styles, critical thinking, financial literacy, professionalism, civic engagement and personal brand protection. Their 12-week paid summer internships begin May 21 and include housing. The project-based internship experience is designed to fill entry-level talent pipelines for GFW Inc. investors that may result in permanent job opportunities for the Fellows upon their graduation.
“I look forward to the energy, insight and results the Fellows provide each summer,” said Adrian Guenther, vice president, Individual Annuity Customer Service at Lincoln Financial Group. “Whether we are managing them, mentoring them or working alongside them, we all grow from the experience."
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. To learn more, visit greaterfortwayneinc.com.
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