Dominique Vest, VSU Class of 2012
In November 2011, I had the honor to speak to a group of VSU Business Students on preparing to go into the business world. Students worked on introductions, questions and other first impression qualities to help influence decision makers to hire them over their competitor.
At the end of the program, as speaker we had the opportunity to have a little about us moment. For the Petersburg Chamber it was the opportunity to make a plug, ok make a plea for help. We desperately wanted interns to help in our small, but growing Chamber. The plea must have worked because here is the email I received.
“Attached is my interest letter, and resume for the public relations intern position. I hope to hear from you about this great opportunity. I would also like to congratulate you on your most recent position as CEO of Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, and welcome you to Petersburg Virginia. Thank you for your knowledge and recommendations yesterday for Virginia State Universities Business Week it was a pleasure hearing your endeavors.”
Flattery gets you everywhere. Needless to say what followed was a six-month unpaid internship for fourth-year VSU student Dominique Vest. Dominique came to use quite, shy, but very willing. Willing and open to learning any and everything she could about the business world. She looked for opportunities to engage our business groups, meetings and events in order to learn more. She began writing promotional pieces for our blog, creating an environment of community in all of our online presence, all the while finishing up her final semester as a student.
As spring graduation approached and job interviews began to come, our Chamber was working with a new enterprise opening in the community. They needed to not only build their enterprise, but hire their local talent. Selena Jackson, Chamber Member Services made an inquiry with our point of contact on their needs for local talent and what do you say…the rest was history. Dominique is now gainfully employed as the site manager for Henry Williams Townhomes in Petersburg, VA.
I asked Dominique a few questions about her internship experience and here’s what she had to say…
Chamber: What is your biggest take away from interning with the Chamber?
Dominique: The importance of networking, being connecting to the community and the Chamber to help build relationship.
Chamber: What was your favorite intern opportunity?
Dominique: Interviewing Chamber members to find out more about their relationships with the Chamber and community and how it tied into their business goals.
Chamber: What would you tell other students who were considering an internship?
Dominique: Research where they think they might like to intern and take the risk and inquire about interning.
Chamber: What would you tell other students who were interested in interning at the Chamber?
Dominique: To be themselves and understand the Chamber is the access to all the businesses in the region for all of their opportunities. The experience can help you grow into where you want to go.
Dominique we are so very proud of you and many best wished as you continue to pursue your professional endeavors.
The Petersburg Chamber Team
Special Credit: Many thanks to Jonathan Young, VSU, Director of Business Development for asking the Chamber to speak.
The Difference in Petersburg 