In this episode, Andrew Kappel interviews Jeffrey Moss, the founder of Parker Dewey, a company focused on bridging the gap between college and career through micro internships. Jeffrey shares his journey from investment banking to education technology, highlighting the challenges students face in securing internships and the biases employers have in hiring. He discusses the inception of Parker Dewey as a solution to these issues, creating low-stakes opportunities for students to gain experience while providing employers with a better way to assess talent.

The conversation also touches on the growth of the company and the future of micro internships in the recruiting landscape. In this conversation, Jeffrey and Andrew discuss the growing trend of integrating micro internships into the recruitment process, particularly focusing on the unique skills that student athletes bring to the table. They explore how companies are leveraging these internships to create equitable pathways for students while also benefiting from the fresh perspectives that college students offer. The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, relationship building, and the role of established companies like IBM and HubSpot in supporting these initiatives. The conversation wraps up with insights on entrepreneurship and the significance of simplicity in business processes.

Takeaways

• Micro-internships provide valuable experience for students.

• Employers often rely on biases in hiring processes.

• Parker Dewey was created to address the college to career gap.

• Students need low-stakes opportunities to explore career options.

• The concept of micro-internships is gaining traction.

• Employers benefit from engaging with students early on.

• Real-world experience is crucial for career readiness.

• The platform has partnerships with over 900 colleges.

• The future of recruiting will include more experiential learning opportunities. Companies are increasingly integrating micro internships into their recruitment processes.

• Student athletes possess valuable skills such as grit, determination, and coachability.

• Micro internships provide a bridge between education and industry, offering real-world experience.

• Programs funded by major companies like IBM are creating opportunities for students to gain skills in AI.

• Networking through projects can help students build valuable professional relationships.

• Simplicity in business processes is crucial for scalability and success.

• Mentorship is a two-way street, benefiting both students and professionals.

• The demand for micro-internships is high, with many companies participating.

• Understanding the patterns of success and failure in entrepreneurship is key to growth.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Jeff Moss and Career Pathways

12:03 - Creating Low-Stakes Opportunities for Students

15:04 - The Value Proposition for Employers

17:53 - Growth and Evolution of Parker Dewey

20:53 - Looking Ahead: The Future of Micro Internships

22:49 - Integrating Micro Internships into Recruitment

24:47 - The Value of Student Athletes in Business Development

26:59 - Micro Internships: Bridging Education and Industry

29:39 - Finding Opportunities in Micro Internships

32:13 - Building Relationships Through Projects

34:59 - Insights from Successful Entrepreneurs

Connect with Jeffrey on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreybmoss/

Parker Dewey Website:

http://www.ParkerDewey.com

Questions or Guest Ideas? Contact the Host Andrew Kappel on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkappel/⁠