Student interns with Maine's labor department

Jenna Pederson (left) with Julie D. Rabinowitz, director of communications for the Maine Department of Labor.

Aug. 20, 2013 -  Jenna Pederson,  a communications major, participated in the Margaret Chase Smith Internship program over the summer with the Maine Department of Labor in Augusta. Pederson spent several weeks working for the department as the communications assistant intern in the Office of the Commissioner.

Pederson worked on various projects including planning, writing, editing and managing monthly e-newsletters; drafting and distributing news releases and media advisories; updating and maintaining the department's social media presence and editing and adapting various materials produced by the department in order to communicate effectively with its different audiences.

"This internship has been an incredible experience and has fit well with my major and career goals," Pederson said. "This summer has improved my writing, editing and communication skills, which will benefit my education and career goals after graduation. While I have no specific job in mind, I know that I hope to manage and work with traditional and social media. I also hope to one day be able to work with various groups of people, plan events and work with public relations, so this internship was really a perfect fit." 

"This great group of interns has brought a fresh perspective to the Department of Labor this summer," said Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette. "We appreciate their hard work; they have not only learned about the department but they have also served the people of Maine. Most important for them, they have learned valuable skills that will help them wherever their career paths lead." 

The department administers Maine's unemployment insurance system, helps ensure the safety of employees and provides workforce development leadership and vocational rehabilitation services throughout the state.  The department has focused on connecting Mainers to jobs and helping businesses create jobs through strengthening our workforce development system, improving outreach to businesses and clarifying employment regulations.