Interested in giving your business a fresh perspective while giving back to future generations? Mentor a North Island College student and help prepare skilled, enthusiastic students for life after post-secondary.

Three NIC programs are seeking employers to provide leadership for interactive media, business administration, and tourism and hospitality management students.

鈥淓mployers really benefit,鈥� said Anita Budisa-Bonneau, co-ordinator, Work Integrated Education. 鈥淭hey gain fresh, enthusiastic students who are eager to take on new challenges with up-to-date industry knowledge, and short-term flexibility to cover peak seasons or work on projects that need more attention.鈥�

Students get an opportunity to apply classwork knowledge and theories to real-life workplace situations while earning credit toward a diploma or degree.

鈥淎n employer can really focus a students鈥� education goals, strengthen their experiences, and make them stronger, more connected members of the community," Budisa-Bonneau said.

Internships for business administration, and tourism and hospitality programs are available any time of the year. Students work a minimum of 180 hours, part-time or full-time, depending on employer and student needs. Work placements are designed to be short-term, with no employer obligation to permanent work.

"It's very flexible, said Budisa-Bonneau. 鈥淲e want to connect as many employers as possible to students, so we work around their needs.鈥�

Employers who have hired NIC students include St. Joseph's General Hospital, First Insurance, and a variety of chartered accountants, hotels and resorts across the province.

Craig van der Merwe, client services manager and partner of The Update Company in Cumberland, said their "super talented" lead designer is a graduate from the Interactive Media program.

鈥淭he student we hired had exceptional design skills,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he attention paid to developing strong artists, along with the influence of talented faculty like Susanne, provided great nurturing for these skills.鈥�

Work practicums for communication design and web development students are not mandatory but highly valued by students who want real-world experience.

The work would ideally be completed from May to August, but can be spread throughout the year to meet the 180-hour minimum.

To learn more about hiring a student, visit www.nic.bc.ca/erc or contact Budisa-Bonneau at 250-334-5007 or Anita.Budisa@nic.bc.ca.