Pathways to Careers Summit:
From Internships to Impact

April 2, 2026
USM Abromson Center

Plan To Attend!

Join us for a day dedicated to discussing strategies for creating effective and sustainable internship programs with education and business leaders from across the state. Be part of the conversation to help shape the future of internships in Maine and support the next generation of professionals!

Registration

Registration for this year’s event costs $75 and includes a light breakfast, a full lunch, and a full day to network and discuss how to strengthen internships across Maine.

Register Today!

What? Our second Pathways to Careers Internship Summit! A one-day gathering to exchange ideas, network, and strengthen internship opportunities across Maine’s industries

When? April 2, 2026, from 8 am to 4 pm with the program beginning at 9 am

Who? Businesses, educators, workforce partners, and anyone interested in shaping the internship landscape in Maine

Where? In Portland, Maine, at the University of Southern Maine’s Abromson Community Center (88 Bedford St, Portland, Maine, 04101)

Cost? Registration for this year’s event costs $75 and includes a light breakfast, a full lunch, and coffee and beverages throughout the event.

Looking for accommodations? Here are three hotels close to the Pathways to Careers Summit:

AI & Maine’s Future Workforce

The AI revolution in Maine is not just on the horizon- it’s already here! This year’s keynote is your chance to explore how these transformative changes are shaping Maine’s labor market. Attendees will hear data-driven insights highlighting the high-demand skills essential to navigating this shift. Join us for a deeper understanding of how the integration of artificial intelligence is redefining the next generation of work in Maine.

Andy Crawley

Associate Professor in the School of Economics at the University of Maine, specializing in regional economic development, forecasting, and policy analysis. His work focuses on building dynamic economic models that help governments and organizations understand economic trends, evaluate investments, and strengthen long-term resilience. Andy has published over 30 academic journal articles in top peer-reviewed journals and has conducted over 150 economic impact studies.

Elinor Hunt

Research Associate in the School of Economics at the University of Maine, whose work focuses on labor market analytics, regional economic development, and the impacts of emerging technologies on workforce dynamics. She has contributed to multiple statewide research initiatives, including projects on AI skill demand, economic resilience, and demographic shifts across rural communities.

  • Where do I park?
    • Garage parking is available at a discounted rate of $10 through a pre-pay link that will be sent to registrants.
  • What about using a university parking permit?
    • University of Maine System employees who register will receive information on obtaining a visiting staff/faculty parking permit.

With any additional questions regarding the summit, please reach out to Allison Jung: allison.jung@maine.edu

There are only a few sponsorship opportunities left!

Click here to see the full sponsorship packet.

For sponsorship inquiries, please email allison.jung@maine.edu

Cancellations made two weeks prior are eligible for a partial refund (due to a $25 processing fee).

Cancellations made within two weeks of the event are no longer eligible for a refund.

Agenda

Registration & Light Breakfast (8-9 AM)

The AI revolution in Maine is not just on the horizon- it’s already here! This year’s keynote is your chance to explore how these transformative changes are shaping Maine’s labor market. Attendees will hear data-driven insights highlighting the high-demand skills essential to navigating this shift. Join us for a deeper understanding of how the integration of artificial intelligence is redefining the next generation of work in Maine.

Andrew Crawley, PhD

Associate Professor in the School of Economics, University of Maine

Dr. Andrew Crawley specializes in regional economic development, forecasting, and policy analysis. His work focuses on building dynamic economic models that help governments and organizations understand economic trends, evaluate investments, and strengthen long-term resilience. Andy has published over 30 academic journal articles in top peer-reviewed journals and has conducted over 150 economic impact studies.

Elinor Hunt

Research Associate in the School of Economics, University of Maine

Elinor’s work focuses on labor market analytics, regional economic development, and the impacts of emerging technologies on workforce dynamics. She has contributed to multiple statewide research initiatives, including projects on AI skill demand, economic resilience, and demographic shifts across rural communities.

Internship programs are one of the most effective pipelines for developing future talent– but what actually drives intern engagement, satisfaction, and long-term retention? Educate Maine’s Maine Career Catalyst connects and convenes more than 500 interns each summer and collects pre- and post-program feedback from interns, employers, and alumni. Designed for employers, this session draws on survey data and insights from participants and partners to explore what evidence shows about creating meaningful, high-impact internship experiences.

Meg Krieger

Workforce Development Specialist, Educate Maine

As a Workforce Development Specialist, Meg is a part of the Maine Career Catalyst team where she partners with businesses across industries to design and support registered apprenticeship programs and enhance internship experiences statewide. In her first year, Meg coordinated the launch of the Maine Mobile BIOLAB and now applies that experience to her growing focus on workforce development and policy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Educational Studies from Bates College.Meg brings hands-on experience in education, ranging from community-based work in Lewiston, Maine, to teaching English in Dresden, Germany, and outdoor education in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Meg is based in Portland, Maine, where she loves spending time outside on a bike or in the ocean.

Unlock the full potential of international education to strengthen your workforce! This session explores how structured internships abroad equip U.S. students with high-demand professional skills and readiness. We will also demystify the process of hiring international talent by providing a straightforward overview of Curricular Practical
Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), addressing employer concerns regarding the pathways to bringing students with global perspectives into your organization.

Orlina Boteva, PhD

Director of the Office of International Programs, University of Maine

Sarah Joughin

Senior Associate Director of the Office of International Programs, University of Maine

Providing clear, objective feedback is one of the most impactful—and challenging—parts of supervising interns. This interactive workshop introduces the Situation–Behavior–Impact (SBI) model as a practical tool for delivering timely, professional, and development-focused feedback, especially in fast-paced, real-world settings. Participants will practice reframing common feedback challenges using SBI and leave with a simple, repeatable structure they can immediately apply with interns

Austin French

Director of Career Pathways & Employer Engagement, University of Maine at Farmington

Austin French is the Director of Career Pathways & Employer Engagement at the University of Maine at Farmington and a longtime educator in high-performance, real-world learning environments. He brings a unique blend of higher education and professional certification experience, serving on the Education Staff for the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), where he regularly delivers high-stakes, real-time feedback to candidates pursuing certification. Austin specializes in translating abstract performance expectations into clear, actionable guidance that drives growth. His work focuses on helping supervisors move from vague or uncomfortable feedback to objective, constructive, and development-centered conversations. Whether in the classroom, on the job site, or on the mountain, Austin’s approach emphasizes clarity, accountability, and learning that sticks.

Maine Youth Action Network’s Gateway to Opportunity (G2O) program provides young people with short-term paid positions to enhance their career readiness while connecting local talent with Maine businesses. Utilizing a cohort model, G2O fosters supportive workplace cultures for diverse youth through teams of youth workers, peer leaders, and adult employers. This session will explore the G2O model, emphasizing workplace learning, social-emotional learning, and 21st-century skills. Participants will reflect on their practices and discuss ways to create inclusive workspaces where youth can thrive.

Devon Mulligan

Networks and Partnerships Program Manager, Maine Youth Action Network

Maggie Swanson

Youth Workforce Development Specialist, Maine Youth Action Network

Lunch (12:15 PM)

What truly makes an internship impactful? Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring students from across the University of Maine System as they share firsthand accounts of their internships. Students will provide insights into the entire process—from the initial application to the final day on the job.

Panelists will discuss what they looked for in an opportunity, the specific elements that made their experiences meaningful, and what they wish they had known before starting. This session is designed for employers and educators alike, offering a unique look at the student experience and providing actionable advice on how to better support and engage the next generation of professionals.

Internships are a powerful way for students to explore career pathways and build professional skills, but their impact depends on employers’ understanding of the student experience. This session will help employers better understand common challenges students face and share practical strategies for designing high-quality, student-centered internships that benefit both students and organizations. Grounded in the Pathways to Careers framework, the presentation will offer actionable best practices employers can apply immediately to strengthen or launch impactful internship programs.

Jason Harkins, PhD

Executive Dean of the Maine Business School, Dean of the Graduate School of Business, University of Maine

Jason Harkins, Ph.D., is the Executive Dean of the Maine Business School, Dean of the Graduate School of Business, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, and the Founder of Scratchpad Accelerator, the first seed-stage entrepreneurial accelerator in New England North of Boston. Dr. Harkins has started numerous companies, consults for numerous firms across Maine, and serves on the Board of Directors for for-profit and non-profit companies in the entrepreneurial space. He received his Ph.D. from the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from the University of Missouri.

Melanie Brooks

Director of Marketing and Communications for the Maine Business School, University of Maine

Melanie Brooks is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Maine Business School. She’s worked in the industry for two decades across multiple capacities, including producer, project manager, journalist, creative director, editor, and photographer. Her writing has appeared in Down East Magazine, Portland Monthly Magazine, Maine Women Magazine, The Star-Ledger, Inc. Magazine, and HerMoney.com. She received her MA from New York University and a BA from Towson University.

This presentation reports on results from a focus group study of humanities students across the University of Maine System, shedding light on their internship experiences. We’ll outline specific challenges that humanities internships often face and provide tools and strategies for starting and sustaining well-supported internship programs tailored for these students.

Dr. Katie Swacha

Associate Professor of Technical and Professional Communication, University of Maine

Dr. Katie Swacha is an Associate Professor of Technical and Professional Communication at UMaine, where she also directs the English Department Career Internship Program. Katie specializes in researching and teaching courses in grant writing, non-profit communication, and other types of professional communication. She is passionate about experiential education, such as internships and service-learning. She also cares deeply about connecting humanities students to meaningful internship experiences and making internships more accessible for all students. Alongside her colleague in English, Dr. Caroline Bicks, Katie spearheaded the Stephen E. King Chair in Literature Internship Fellowship program, which financially sponsors humanities students at UMaine to partake in internships with non-profits that would otherwise be unpaid. Her research on internships and professional communication has appeared in engaged-research journals such as the Michigan Journal of Community Service-Learning and Partnerships.

Allison (Allie) Norton

Internship Coordinator for the Career Exploration Internship Program in Arts, Humanities, and Nonprofits, University of Southern Maine

Allison (Allie) Norton serves as the Internship Coordinator for the Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP) in Arts, Humanities, and Nonprofits at the University of Southern Maine’s Career & Employment Hub. In this role, she supports students through every stage of the internship experience, including recruitment, onboarding, reflective learning, and ongoing professional development. Allie is also a master’s student in Adult and Higher Education at USM, where her work focuses on experiential learning, career readiness, and equity-centered professional development for humanities students. She is particularly passionate about making paid, meaningful internships accessible to students who may not otherwise see themselves reflected in traditional career pathways and about helping students translate identity-driven learning into employable skills and narratives.

Madelynn (Maddie) McGary

Graduate Assistant for the Career Exploration Internship Program, University of Southern Maine

Madelynn (Maddie) McGary serves as the Graduate Assistant for the Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP) at the University of Southern Maine’s Career & Employment Hub. Within this role, she provides guidance and support to USM interns during their career exploration journey. As a graduate assistant, she collaborated with a cross-functional team to advance research serving UMaine systems students in the arts, humanities, and nonprofit sectors. Maddie is also a master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at USM, where she focuses on promoting resilience within children and adolescents through play therapy. She is passionate about fostering relationships among the USM community to promote awareness and understanding of internship experiences. 

Visit the Top Your Own Popcorn Station to fuel up and spark fresh conversations with fellow attendees. This informal break is the perfect time to swap insights from the morning sessions and strengthen your professional connections that drive Maine’s talent pipeline.

This candid panel features insights from Maine’s leading industries on the evolving workforce pipeline. Attendees will hear directly from top employers to learn from their successes and challenges in recruiting, gaining tactical strategies to navigate the unique Maine labor market and the expectations of Gen Z. From discussing the recruiting and hiring process to challenges in retention, this session offers actionable takeaways needed to turn temporary internships into lifelong Maine careers.

Mary Mahoney-O’Neil, Ed.D.

Director of the Maine Government Internship program and the Maine NEW Leadership Institute with the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, University of Maine

Mary Mahoney-O’Neil, Ed.D., is currently the Director of the Maine Government Internship program and the Maine NEW Leadership Institute with the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine. She has served as the Associate Dean of the College of Education and Human Development; Director of Enrollment Management; Associate Director of Financial Aid/Student Employment; Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching Program; and she has had the privilege of teaching for many years with the College of Education and Human Development and the William S. Cohen Institute for Leadership & Public Service.  She has especially enjoyed working with the HERS Institute, a professional development leadership program for leaders and aspiring leaders in higher education as a Faculty in Residence and Teaching Faculty member at HERS – Bryn Mawr, University of Denver, Wellesley College. Mary celebrates life in Maine with her husband, adult children and grandchildren.

Zoë Jackson

Collegiate Talent Acquisition Specialist, Tyler Technologies

Zoë is the Collegiate Talent Acquisition Specialist at Tyler Technologies, where she oversees all internship recruitment and leads the planning and execution of the company’s summer internship program. In this role, Zoë partners with hiring managers and university stakeholders to attract and develop early-career talent across the organization. She is passionate about creating impactful internship experiences that support professional growth, engagement, and long-term career pathways. With experience in early-career recruiting and program management, Zoë brings a student-centered and strategic perspective to workforce development. Her work focuses on building inclusive, well-structured programs that benefit both interns and the business.

In the journey from “Internship to Impact,” assessment serves as the bridge. Many programs struggle to move beyond simple satisfaction surveys, missing the opportunity to measure true growth and ROI. This interactive panel provides a roadmap for designing multilayered assessment frameworks that measure individual intern success, project outcomes, and organizational impact. We will explore multi-modal tools, including a competency-based rubric from NACE, and strategies for organizations to gauge the success of their internship program. Participants will learn how to put internships into a narrative of success that benefits both the intern’s career trajectory and the organization. Attendees will leave with a toolkit to move their evaluation process from a “check-the-box” activity to a strategic driver of program excellence.

Andy Osheroff, PhD, MBA

Director of the Career & Employment Hub, University of Southern Maine

Andy Osheroff, PhD, MBA, serves as the Director of the Career & Employment Hub at the University of Southern Maine, where he leads strategic initiatives to enhance student career readiness and community partnerships. With over a decade of experience in higher education and nonprofit administration, Andy focuses on building operational efficiency and high-performing teams. His leadership is marked by a proven ability to scale departmental impact, secure external funding, and establish innovative programs like peer career advising and equity-focused internships. He holds a PhD in Leadership and Organizational Development, with a dissertation specializing in how teamwork drives organizational adaptability.

Crisanne Blackie, M.Ed

Director of the Career Center, University of Maine

Crisanne Kadamus Blackie, M. Ed, NCC, CCC (she/hers)  is the Director of the University of Maine Career Center.  She completed her M.Ed. in Student Personnel Administration at Springfield College and a Baccalaureate degree at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In addition, Crisanne is a National Certified Counselor, Certified Career Counselor, Board Certified Coach, and a trained mediator. With over 20 years of experience in the field of Career Development, Crisanne has worked in both higher education and the private sector.  Her business experience includes working for a student loan corporation and a technology company.  She has worked as a career consultant, published several articles, and contributed to 2 books.  Crisanne enjoys working with all students and specializes in working with pre-professional students, especially those who wish to pursue a healthcare career.

Austin French

Director of Career Pathways & Employer Engagement, University of Maine at Farmington

Austin French, MBA, is the Director of Career Pathways & Employer Engagement at the University of Maine at Farmington, where he works at the intersection of experiential learning, employer partnerships, and workforce development. He supports the design and evaluation of internship programs that go beyond participation metrics to demonstrate real learning, career readiness, and organizational value. Austin’s work emphasizes competency-based assessment, reflective practice, and data-informed storytelling that helps institutions and employers articulate ROI. He has collaborated with academic departments, employers, and system-level partners to build assessment frameworks aligned with NACE competencies and institutional outcomes. Austin is particularly interested in helping programs shift assessment from a compliance exercise into a strategic tool for continuous improvement and long-term impact.

Explore

best practices for internships and discuss common challenges

Discover

how the University of Maine System is preparing students for the workforce

Connect

with others who are working to grow Maine’s talent pipeline

The summit is made possible through the collaboration of the University of Maine’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement and the UMS TRANSFORMS Pathways to Careers Center.

Pathways to Careers coordinates system-wide collaboration among internship coordinators, career professionals, and other UMS employees who support access to, and quality of, internship experiences.
Pathways to Careers is funded with generous support from the Harold Alfond Foundation as part of UMS TRANSFORMS.

The University of Maine’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement (SPIRE) drives innovation to grow Maine’s economy. SPIRE links businesses to university experts and first-class facilities and works with students, faculty, and staff to commercialize innovations that move Maine forward. The SPIRE office builds strategic partnerships between public- and private-sector groups and individuals to advance prosperity in Maine.