Grant Colgan is from Warrenton, Virginia and is a Senior. Grant is a Management Major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology.

Grant Colgan was an intern for Employment Enterprises Inc. in the summer of 2022.

We asked Grant to share his internship and Pamplin experiences with us.

How did you find your internship? How long have you been working there? What is your title and what do you do for them? 

I found my internship with Employment Enterprises, Inc. through a family connection. The president, Lovey Hammel, of the company was friends with my aunt from the time they were in Middle school! After my previous internship opportunity fell through, I asked my extended family to send out my resume and I was contacted by the Chief Operating Officer of Employment Enterprises, Collen Clokus. Mrs. Clokus presented me with a chance to tailor my internship experience to my unique interests and I couldn't turn the opportunity down. I served as a Business Operations Intern which presented me with the opportunity to assist almost every department of the business. The COO of Employment Enterprises worked with me to tailor my internship to my particular experience and interests. I began work in May of 2022 and ended in early August of the same year. It was such a special opportunity, and I am so grateful to have worked there. The opportunity gave me a glimpse into the world of recruiting and the many aspects involved in maintaining an HR service team. Amanda Dobson and her team of recruiters were amazing at showing me the specific criteria used when screening potential candidates for an upcoming position. On the other side of the business, Monica Farr, CSP, TSC and her team of client service specialists were very patient as I learned how Checks and Balances, Inc. provides human resource functions to their list of various clienteles. I was even able to assist the company’s marketing and accounting department. I had the task of performing a weekly accounts receivable analysis to get some experience with accounting. On the marketing side of things, I assisted Sarah Perlman and her team by publishing job postings and writing blog posts.

How was it working for a women owned business?

Working for a women-owned business presented me with the opportunity to learn how influential diversity of genders can be for a business. Not only was the president of the company a woman, so was every department head that I worked to support.

Employment Enterprises presented me with a real-life experience to learn from women in a corporate setting and I am so grateful to have been able to work with so many intelligent and motivated women.

What do you want to do after graduation?

Honestly, I'm not totally sure which is OK (at least that's what I tell myself). Currently I'm looking for jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry. I hope to end up in Charlotte, NC or near the ocean.

What advice would you give to an incoming Pamplin freshman?

Always make time for the things you enjoy. 

What is your favorite part about being a management student?

My favorite part of being a management student is collaborating with open-minded students and professors who have a focus on developing our leadership skills. 

What is your Linkedin?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-colgan

If any, what organizations are you in and what do you enjoy about them?

I am a member of the Honors College at Virginia tech which has helped expand my transdisciplinary capabilities as well as connect me with great opportunities, such as studying abroad. I also serve as the Academics chair for Sigma Alpha Epsilon which has allowed me to apply my leadership knowledge on a practical level. In the past, I have also served as the philanthropy chair for SAE which empowered me to affect positive change in the local community.