Cross-Sector Internships – Luther Hodges Scholars

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Cross-Sector Internships

Luther Hodges Scholars is committed to developing future business leaders equipped to address economic and societal challenges present in today’s interconnected world. To accomplish this, the program provides scholars with real-world experience working at the intersection of the public and private sectors through hands-on internships that put their business skills and knowledge to work for the public good.

  • Cross-sector internships are curated cohort-based professional learning experiences. Interns work alongside scholars and professionals in the public and private sectors to make industry connections, develop hard and soft skills, and gain practical knowledge in chosen industry areas and fields of inquiry.
  • Typically, the work is project-based and takes place in-person at one of 4-6 field sites across the world. Scholars are fully funded and participate in biweekly virtual briefing sessions to reflect upon and share their experiences. Internship placements vary geographically and focus on topical areas at the intersection of business and society.
  • Cross-sector internships take place during the summer of the sophomore year. Interns are not considered permanent full-time staff, but like staff, have established work schedules, assigned job duties, and access to professional development opportunities.

The Luther Hodges Scholars program is committed to developing future business leaders equipped with the tools needed to address the timeliest, most pressing issues facing business and society today and in future. To facilitate this learning, the program provides scholars with a real-world work experience at the intersection of the public and private sectors.

In the fall semester following the summer cross-sector internship, scholars feature their work in the program’s annual Cross-Sector Internship Showcase. The showcase is an opportunity for scholars to reflect on their internship experience and provides friends and supporters of the Luther Hodges Scholars Program the opportunity to see the impact scholars are making across the globe.

Types of internship placements include:

  • Public. Internships with non-profit organizations where cross-sector cooperation is emphasized. Examples include state and local economic development agencies, public housing agencies, community development corporations, chambers of commerce, and workforce development agencies.
  • Private. Internships in the private sector or with businesses where there is a clear focus on the public good. Examples include corporate affairs divisions within corporations, private firms, community reinvestment divisions of commercial banks; corporate philanthropic, environmental and sustainability initiatives; and housing developers.
  • Academic / Research. Internships with academic or research organizations, particularly those undertaking work related to the Kenan Institute’s research focus areas.

In the fall semester following the summer cross-sector internship, scholars feature their work in the program’s annual Cross-Sector Internship Showcase. The showcase is an opportunity for scholars to share what they’ve learned and accomplished and reflect on their internship experience. The showcase provides friends and supporters of the Luther Hodges Scholars Program the opportunity to see the impact scholars are making across the globe.

Scholars supported strategic initiatives at the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development in Mesa, Arizona by conducting research, developing communications and grant materials, and advancing Native business growth through culturally informed, impact-driven work.

Scholars analyzed impact data and crafted a 25th anniversary report at Latino Community Credit Union in Durham, NC, highlighting how community-based finance and nontraditional lending models advance financial inclusion and economic opportunity for underserved populations.

Scholars advanced inclusive development initiatives at Kenan Foundation Asia in Bangkok, Thailand by supporting strategic communications, partnership development, and digital learning projects that promote education, economic growth, and social equity across Southeast Asia.

Scholars served as internal consultants at KAL Firm in Atlanta, Georgia, developing strategic solutions for Soccer in the Streets’ initiatives through research, stakeholder engagement, and operational support to enhance community impact and sustainability.

Scholars conducted statewide interviews and sector research at Go Global NC in Research Triangle Park, NC to develop a cross-sector training model that strengthens North Carolina’s global engagement and economic competitiveness.

Scholars advanced strategic initiatives at CLIMB USA in Madison, Wisconsin by researching nonprofit funding models, collaborating across key workstreams, and recommending scalable revenue strategies to enhance organizational sustainability.

Corporate board diversity has become a focal point in governance discussions, particularly following changes involved in the Nasdaq Board Diversity Rule. This study examines the correlation between board gender diversity on a sample of Nasdaq-listed companies and short-term financial performance using annualized stock returns and yearly return on assets (ROA) data.

11/21/2024

Rebuilding Ukraine

Scholars lived in Washington, D.C., advancing the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine’s economy through their roles working as associates for this global non-profit.

Scholars interned at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, serving as International Trade Specialist Interns in Greensboro, NC, conducting research, enhancing marketing initiatives and evaluating data.

Scholars worked for this Morgantown, West Virginia-based not-for-profit health insurer, supporting efforts to bridge the gap between provider and payer as they served as data analysts responsible extensive data-collection and analysis.

Scholars traveled to Bangkok, Thailand working as research interns for this non-profit that empowers communities in Southeast Asia through economic development, social inclusion and educational initiatives.

Scholars served as business analysts to provide consulting services, develop partnership proposals, create marketing and fundraising plans, and conduct market research for non-profit organizations in Atlanta, GA.