Like rays of sunshine, summer brings student interns into the VtSBDC fold. The team enjoys two-way, intergenerational learning that opens minds, enhances resources, and creates brighter futures. Meet two of this summer’s star interns: Jaden Kinney, rising junior at Vermont Technical College, and Jordan Rowell, rising senior at the University of Vermont.
Name of Intern:
Jaden Kinney
School and Year:
Vermont Technical College, Junior in fall of 2022
What is your major?
Business Technology and Management B.S.
What is your favorite part of your VtSBDC internship thus far?
I have met an amazing group of people who love their jobs and have welcomed me to the team with open arms. It’s incredible to part of an organization that wants to help small business owners succeed in Vermont and to be one of the people that can help facilitate company growth with the communications team.
Besides graduating, what is your number one goal for your remaining time at college?
I want to learn as much as possible from my professors and continue to work and grow at the VtSBDC. I also hope that I can continue to grow and expand my network of connections that I have at Vermont Tech, at VtSBDC, and in the Vermont community.
What is your dream job for your first position out of college?
With my work and learning that I’ve done at the VtSBDC, in combination with my passion for art, I think that a job in digital marketing would be one that I enjoyed and would also play to my strengths.
If you were to start your own business now, what would that business be?
I was in culinary arts in high school and really enjoyed learning many different cooking techniques. I didn’t really enjoy being a prep cook or line cook and often didn’t feel valued in my position and that is why I transferred to a more business focused mindset. If I had the option to open any business I could though, I would open a bakery for people and pets. It gives me a way to be creative with recipes and make people happy with baked goods, for the time being though I’ll just stick with the VtSBDC!
What is a skill, talent, or pastime that you enjoy outside of school and work?
I love art in all forms. Ideally, I’m able to use creativity in my work and in my free time. I really enjoy sewing and drawing but I have a general eye for aesthetics that help a lot in digital designing.
Name of Intern:
Jordan Rowell
School and Year:
UVM, 2023
What is your major?
Natural Resources Planning
What is your favorite part of your VtSBDC internship thus far?
Working directly with small businesses to help them achieve their goals and being introduced to a thriving small business ecosystem here in Vermont.
Besides graduating, what is your number one goal for your remaining time at college?
Limit student debt!
What is your dream job for your first position out of college?
Developing trails as well as their community and economic impact on rural communities in the Northeast.
If you were to start your own business now, what would that business be?
An outdoor recreation basecamp – a place for people to build community before and after their outdoor pursuits. Think campground, events space, and direct access to trails.
What is a skill, talent, or pastime that you enjoy outside of school and work?
Absolutely anything outside – skiing, climbing, mountain biking, paddling, hiking…
Interested in learning more about VtSBDC’s youth entrepreneur initiatives? Visit https://www.vtsbdc.org/specialty-services/youth-entrepreneurship/ or contact Laurel Butler, VtSBDC Advisor, at lbutler@vtsbdc.org.