HR Magazine Highlights Minority Internship as Exemplar for Other Institutions

The Higher Education Workplace, a publication of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), recently featured Duquesne’s Minority Development Internship Program (MDIP) as an example for other institutions that are committed to diversifying their workforce.

The article, Creative Ways to Increase Workforce Diversity, describes the MDIP as a unique, creative and relatively inexpensive way to make “a real impact in bringing about culture change and diversifying the workforce.”

“It’s an honor for the University to be recognized by the CUPA-HR for our innovative approach to increasing diversity among the staff,” said Ryan Dawson, associate director of human resources. “We’re very pleased with the results of the program thus far and look forward to placing more qualified minorities into positions in the future.”

The MDIP was introduced in 2007 as part of the 2003-2008 strategic plan. Since then, 12 of the 16 interns have found permanent positions at Duquesne in various schools and departments. Of the four not placed, two are currently still active as interns in the program, and the others pursued different opportunities.

While in the program, interns are placed on three- to six-month rotations in departments across campus that have projects or short-term assignments. The rotations expose interns to different kinds of work, subject matter and responsibilities. Interns can work in several departments over the course of a two-year appointment, but some are hired full-time after only one or two rotations.

“We recognize the importance of increasing opportunities for individuals in underrepresented groups, and (the MDIP) helps us do just that,” added President Charles J. Dougherty in the article.