Career preparedness is a key aspect in today's higher education landscape and David Brown will help GCC students with that in his new role as internship coordinator.

Brown started as GCC's new internship coordinator in July. Brown comes to GCC with years of experience in nonprofit and education sectors, combining a passion of helping others and a zeal for improving the community.

Brown's role will include reintroducing GCC's internship program to the community and connecting students with local employers to earn real-world knowledge and experience. GCC's internship program is partially supported by GCC's donor-supported GSB Internship Fund, named for long-time community partner and donor, Greenfield Savings Bank.

The internship program will prepare students for their future careers while also helping them explore potential options for their education. The program will also build connections with organizations in the region, providing them with a more prepared and knowledgeable workforce.

"Internships are about more than just career readiness, they are experiences that help guide academic decision-making and workplace preparedness while expanding professional networks. Our work supports GCC's mission of positioning students for long-term success while engaging the business community and forming mutually-beneficial relationships," Brown said.

"GCC is committed to offering our students internship opportunities that will allow them to apply their classroom knowledge to the real world of work and develop their professional connections," Pres. Michelle Schutt said. "We also view internships as beneficial to employers, as they develop their pipeline for future full-time employees in a competitive labor landscape."

Brown's efforts will be a part of GCC's wraparound support services for students, which include access to student emergency funds, tutoring, disability services, food pantry, a fitness center and a technology lending library that will be outfitted with laptops for student who needs one thanks to a $100,000 gift from the GCC Foundation.

For students interested in internship opportunities, you can email Brown at brownd@gcc.mass.edu.

GCC is also looking to work with businesses and organizations in the region to connect students with real-world experiences. If you are a part of a business or organization who can help, please contact Brown via email or by calling 413-775-1472.