UW-Parkside: Moving Racine Forward With Talent

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development data indicates that the state's economy will require more than 21,000 people each year for the next five years with associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate or professional degrees. For jobs requiring a bachelor's degree, the total average job openings are projected at more than 13,000 each year.

According to economic development experts, having access to talent is an important consideration when businesses and organizations decide to stay in a region, relocate or expand. Key to developing qualified and relevant talent is having affordable and accessible institutions of higher education.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers the lowest tuition in the UW System and currently serves more than 1,500 students from Racine County. Approximately 30 percent of Racine County students enrolled at a UW college or university are enrolled at UW-Parkside.

What's more, the majority of UW-Parkside graduates live and work in this area. Close to 20 percent of people in Racine County who have a bachelor's degree earned that degree at UW-Parkside.

"As an engaged member of the southeastern Wisconsin business community, it is very important to CNH Industrial to have access to the local talent pool when selecting interns and new graduates for career opportunities," said Meredith Davis, CNH Industrial spokesperson.

Internships play an important role in developing talent by providing real-world experience throughout the private and public sectors.

Michelle Ortwein, volunteer coordinator for the Racine Art Museum, said most RAM full-time employees have had multiple internships. "I think it is extremely important, not only for personal experience … but also for building connections in the very small world of museum and especially art museum work," she said.