Impact Awards History of Success: The International Center

For the past 20 years, the Indiana Chamber’s Work and Learn Indiana program has celebrated work-based learning and the vital role it plays in fostering the state’s talent pipeline by honoring individuals and companies with the Impact Awards.

As we lead up to the unveiling of the 2026 Impact Award winners – to be announced February 12 at the Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference – we take a trip down memory lane and catch up with several past honorees. The International Center won Employer of the Year in 2011, 2012 and 2021.

As Indiana deepens its footprint on the global stage, few organizations have leveraged work‑based learning as effectively as The International Center. Since its founding in 1973, the Indianapolis nonprofit has played a central role in shaping the state’s international engagement strategy. Its internship program is now a key driver of that mission – developing globally minded young professionals while strengthening Indiana’s workforce.

“Our interns are a vital part of our everyday operations. Their ability to learn quickly and adapt allows us to accelerate projects and introduce fresh ideas that push our work forward,” says Garth Eberhart, senior vice president of operations and chief of staff at The International Center.

Each year, the International Center hosts three internship cohorts, bringing in an average of eight to 10 students per term. These interns rotate through roles in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, diplomacy, business development and more – positions that provide hands‑on exposure to the complexities of global engagement.

The Center’s internship model is rooted in accessibility. “International experience isn’t required,” Eberhart notes. “What matters is a genuine curiosity about the world.” That openness has allowed the program to support both U.S. students seeking global exposure and international students wanting professional immersion in the United States.

Interns are treated as emerging professionals. They participate in weekly development workshops tailored to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real‑world application.

The results are clear, Eberhart says. “Post‑internship surveys show a 23% increase in interns’ confidence in their professional development.” That confidence, he stresses, translates into strong outcomes and ultimately increases “the likelihood they will stay and thrive in Indiana’s workforce. In fact, Indiana remains the top destination for The International Center’s interns after graduation.”

The program’s long‑term impact also is visible within the organization itself. Four of The Center’s current 16 employees began as interns – proof that the model not only builds skills but also cultivates committed professionals.

One is Tess Milton, once a neuroscience student at Indiana University Bloomington, who served as a relocations intern. That experience ignited her interest in global engagement. After spending nine months in Madrid teaching English and building cultural exchange skills, she returned to Indianapolis – and to The Center – as a full‑time relocations coordinator. She has since earned a Global Mobility Specialist certification and an Indiana real estate license, enabling her to help international executives transition to Indiana with confidence and care.

“Tess’s journey demonstrates how an internship at The International Center can open doors to global experiences and long-term career success,” Eberhart surmises.

Yujin Seong arrived from Korea seeking applied experience in international affairs. Her internship quickly expanded when Kokomo’s mayor approached The Center for support with incoming Korean business. Eberhart shares that within months, Seong was promoted to Korea Project coordinator, helping advance a strategic initiative focused on strengthening ties between Indiana and the Republic of Korea. Her work ranged from assisting delegations to analyzing cultural considerations essential for attracting Korean talent to the region. Her contributions ultimately earned her a nomination for Work and Learn Indiana’s Work‑Based Learner of the Year.

Reflecting on The Center’s longstanding participation in the Impact Awards, Eberhart emphasizes the importance of community collaboration. “These events remind us how education and business create meaningful opportunities for students – and for Indiana.”