As the ninth largest exporting state, Ohio businesses exported $54 billion worth of goods in 2018. And, with the help of interns from Fisher College of Business and from other institutions across Ohio, businesses are increasing their presence in international markets.

As part of the Ohio Export Internship Program (OEIP), more than 40 students utilized their export-focused coursework to conduct research on overseas markets, create export compliance manuals and assist with sales and marketing plans.

The 43 members of the OEIP Class of 2019 were recently recognized by Lt. Governor Jon Husted, along with Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. They were joined by representatives from Fisher, Cleveland State University Monte Ahuja College of Business and Youngstown State University Williamson College of Business.

“Ohio has great businesses and great students,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said. “Through this program, interns help companies expand their global reach while learning valuable skills. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s program.”

The OEIP partnership brings together Ohio students and small businesses to help build the workforce and grow the Ohio economy. The universities provide export-specific instruction in the classroom, preparing the students for summer work experiences in which they set up export programs for their companies or expand on existing export efforts.

“The global economy is fiercely competitive, and we need to prepare Ohio students so both they and Ohio businesses can compete and win,” Husted said. “This program gives them the experiences they need to succeed in the real world.”

Dean Anil Makhija congratulated the Fisher cohort and was joined by Joyce Steffan, senior director of Fisher’s Office of Global Business, in recognizing their accomplishments.

“Hands-on, experiential learning opportunities such as the Export Internship Program are cultivating the critical skills that will grow and enrich our state — all while demonstrating our commitment to carrying out Ohio State’s modern Land Grant mission to serve the community in which it was founded nearly 150 years ago,” Makhija said.

The Export Internship Showcase honored the students and the 41 companies across the state for whom they worked. The students helped the companies enter export markets or expand on existing ones.

Since starting with nine students in 2012, the Ohio Export Internship Program has graduated 274 students and increased export sales for 195 Ohio companies. To date, 44 full-time export positions have been created and 63 internship extensions were offered.

“Ohio students can bring energy and innovation to businesses,” Mihalik said. “The students gain real-world experience while helping Ohio businesses become more competitive globally.”

Information and photos provided by the Ohio Development Services Agency.