By Kathryn Reed

Looking at the big picture is what Tracy Owen Chapman does when it comes to placing Lake Tahoe Community College interns.

It’s all about asking them where they think they’ll be in five or 10 years. It’s keeping track of industry trends. It’s about creating matches that are relevant and not creating busy work.

Chapman is in her second year of being the internship and work experience coordinator at the South Lake Tahoe two-year college.

On Tuesday she updated the board of trustees about her program.

Her goal is to create a seamless transition from school to career for students.

Chapman’s research shows communication skills the No. 1 attribute employers are looking for, followed by the ability to edit video and be adept at technology.

About half of the interns are eventually offered paid positions with the company. She pointed to the U.S. Forest Service being willing to take students on as unpaid interns, and then hiring them down the road if it works out and the need is there.

Internships are all over the board. One person went to Lakeland Village. Instead of spending 12 weeks at one job, the person had six two-week intervals to get a feel for that aspect of the hospitality industry.

Casinos have said yes. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Tahoe Daily Tribune are other entities to embrace interns.

“I think the whole community is out there waiting for me to knock on their door,” Chapman said.

Marketing is her background; and marketing this program is her goal.

For those interested in having an LTCC intern, contact Chapman at (530) 541.4660, ext. 294 or owenchapman@ltcc.edu.