What benefits does the ystark! Fellowship offer that I would not get working for another company?

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The ystark! Fellowship offers benefits that most entry level, out-of-college jobs cannot. Fellows begin a two-year eye-opening experience that will build a foundation with one of numerous Stark County companies. The internal and external networking that will take place during these two years is ongoing from day one. After the two years have concluded the Fellows will have a varied range of opportunities. Be it continuing with their host companies or changing career paths the Fellows will have gained experience and contacts over a broad spectrum of employers without the struggle that most young professionals face. The Fellowship also provides an ideal experience for those who are unsure about their graduate school ambitions. Because the Fellowship is only a two year commitment, if the Fellow decides that graduate school is his or her desired route, then after the two years the Fellow can enter graduate school with valuable real world experience.

Networking: This might be the most important intangible benefit that the ystark! Fellowship provides. As you begin working and interacting with these companies, a networking web starts to develop at a rapid rate. Through Fellowship meetings, mixers, and everyday job experience, relationships start to thrive and opportunities appear. Not only will Fellows develop connections within their host company, relationships can also progress between Fellows and executives of the other companies involved in the Fellowship. One huge benefit often overlooked is the fact that the Fellows will be part of a “class.” Being part of a group or class automatically gives Fellows friends and peers who are taking part in similar experiences. This can be vital for the Fellows as each person can relate to what the other is experiencing. Most young professionals soon realize that forming a social network as a college student is far easier than it is as a working professional. The Fellowship provides the groundwork for this social network, thereby making the transition from student to professional much more manageable.


Community Service: The ystark! Fellowship realizes how important the community is to young professionals and how important young professionals are to the community. This is why the Fellowship asks the Fellows to better Stark County in some way. The Fellowship will provide opportunities for this service through such organizations like, ArtsinStark and The United Way.