For many enFocus interns, making a difference in the South-Bend Elkhart region was a driving force when finalizing their summer plans. In fact, Karthik Konduru, a graduate student studying healthcare analytics and information technology at Carnegie Mellon University, said he was drawn to enFocus because the internship would allow him to bring “change through innovation in the local community”. Taking it a step further, Anita Chen, also from Carnegie Mellon, pursuing a Master of Arts Management says, “My greatest passion is to make an impact on the community that I serve”.
Even those familiar with the region are gaining new insights. “I love that enFocus has given me the opportunity to see South Bend through a new light. I lived in South Bend for my entire childhood up to my sophomore year of high school when I moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. I now attend the University of Notre Dame, so you can say that I have spent a lot of time here. Through enFocus, I have been able to experience South Bend through the eyes of a young professional and I have had so much fun,” said Emma Sedlack, who studies sociology.
As the enFocus interns make an impact on the region working on projects that improve a process for a manufacturer, help a new business launch, or work to bridge the digital divide, and so much more, the region is also making an impression on the interns. Throughout the summer, interns have participated in activities through the Summer Connect program sponsored by the South Bend Regional Chamber. From attending professional networking events and lectures to white water rafting on the East Race and enjoying a South Bend Cubs game from the rooftop, enFocus interns have been able to learn more about the community while meeting interns working across the region.
Additionally, enFocus organized formal and informal events in the region including outings to restaurants and parks and a day-long tour of Elkhart County. This year interns were able to explore several entrepreneurial businesses in Goshen including Janus Motorcycles, The Soapy Gnome, Goshen Theater, and Ignition Music.
At enFocus we connect talented young professionals with meaningful projects and experiences in our region. This results in benefits to the community (cost savings, efficiencies, access to programs and services, etc.) and often the retention of our interns and Fellows in the region.