SUNY Oneonta’s Innovative Internship Programs and Community Collaboration Improve the Perception of Higher Education

The relationship between a college campus and the surrounding region is important. Students, faculty, and staff should feel like genuine members of the community, and area residents should view the campus as a welcoming place that supports the cultural vibrancy and economic stability of the local region.  

Cultivating these positive relationships is even more important at a time when the value of higher education is being broadly questioned. The rising cost of attendance and an uncertain job market for graduates have contributed to an ongoing national conversation about what higher education is truly worth. To achieve long-term stability and success, modern colleges and universities must clearly demonstrate their relevance by preparing students for successful careers while also contributing to the social, economic, and civic vitality of the regions they call home.  

The latest chapter of President to President explores this theme. In “Belonging Without Borders,” SUNY Oneonta President Alberto J.F. Cardelle, Ph.D., thoughtfully examines how universities can sometimes feel isolated from the communities around them. He challenges campus leaders to take intentional steps to bridge that gap and shares practical strategies for strengthening town-and-gown relationships, including fostering open dialogue and collaborating with local businesses on career-readiness and employment initiatives.

A Shared Commitment to Community

Sodexo has had the honor of partnering with SUNY Oneonta to provide dining services for 25+ years. Our onsite team there is committed to supporting the university’s efforts to create strong community ties and help students prepare for the future.

The SUNY Oneonta dining team embodies these ideals by actively participating in the surrounding community and finding ways to make meaningful contributions. For example, Dining District Manager Jimmy Hamm has served as a member of the City Council in Otego, New York, since 2022. He understands the needs and concerns of the local community, which inform his work on campus and enable him to serve as a conduit between SUNY Oneonta and the surrounding area.

Uplifting neighbors in need is another critical component of developing positive town-and-gown relations. Over the years, the dining team has hosted many fundraisers dedicated to fighting hunger in the region. Proceeds have supported a backpack program at a local elementary school, providing children with food to take home over the weekend, as well as the on-campus food pantry.

In addition, the team participates annually in the Mark May Foundation event each summer, raising funds for local organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, and hospice care providers. These partnerships are tangible reminders that when campuses and communities work together, they can address real needs and make a lasting impact.

Preparing Students for Life After Graduation

Demonstrating the value of a SUNY Oneonta education is an integral step to illustrating that the university is a collaborative partner invested in the long-term success of the community. One of the most effective ways to do that is through experiential learning and internships that prepare students for careers by connecting classroom concepts to real-world application.

Sodexo works with SUNY Oneonta to offer robust internship opportunities. On-campus internships with the dining program enable students to gain hands-on experience in fields such as marketing, social media, and sustainability. These paid positions help students explore career options while building professional skills, forming connections, and gaining confidence.

Another standout example is the dietetic internship program, which offers both undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to work at a senior living or healthcare facility where Sodexo operates. Students gain experience in patient care, collaborate with kitchen teams, and work alongside professional registered dietitians. Recently, Sodexo expanded this program with a commitment to supporting job placement for interns, ultimately helping students transition from education to employment with confidence.

Expanding Horizons Beyond New York State

While we are deeply invested in preparing students for opportunities in the local region, we also believe in offering experiences that help students explore the world and consider new opportunities.  

Each summer, through a Global Internship Program, two SUNY Oneonta students travel to one of Sodexo’s international headquarters for four weeks. For the first three weeks, interns work on a meaningful real-world project that addresses a business need. Projects have ranged from offer development to pricing strategy analyses to human resources initiatives. The program is open to students from any major.

In the fourth week, interns are free to experience the country they are in for personal growth and exploration. For many participants, this is their first time traveling internationally. That final week gives them the chance to experience the region, broaden their cultural perspective, and return home with a deeper sense of independence.  

Since the Global Internship Program launched 10 years ago, SUNY Oneonta students have travelled to Italy, Singapore, Thailand, France, Ireland, and England, experiencing a wide variety of cultures and enjoying incredible opportunities to learn and grow.  

A Life-Changing Experience

The program has been a resounding success and has even been expanded to other Sodexo partner campuses. Students eagerly share positive feedback after returning from overseas. Our Sodexo colleagues around the globe regularly share how impressed they are with the interns’ professionalism, work ethics, enthusiasm, and creativity.

For students, the experience is transformative and can lead to life-changing opportunities. For example, one SUNY Oneonta student who traveled to Singapore through the program was offered a full-time position there after graduation.  

Uplifting Students and Communities

As with my own community involvement at home in New Orleans, it’s extremely rewarding to see the real difference our team’s efforts make in students’ lives — and in all the communities Sodexo serves. It’s intentional partnerships like this, with shared goals and values, strong town-and-gown relationships, and a genuine commitment to helping people thrive, that excite me in my role at Sodexo, and I am proud of examples like these at SUNY Oneonta, and many other of our campus partners.