Asheville, NC inspires local employment worldwide with Talent Jams

Students that attended the Talent Jam were given the chance to show their skills through mini-pitches and networking in the midst of Talent Jam's bustling energy and atmosphere.

Talent Jams originated in Asheville to connect job seekers with local employers, with Jams taking place from Hickory to Cork, Ireland.

Geralyn Mitchell is the assistant director of career development at App State and the App State point of contact for Talent Jam.

“There’s something to be said for our students and our alumni who want to stay here,” Mitchell said. “I love it here, and if someone wants to be in Boone, then I want to help them and give them the opportunity to find jobs or something here fulfilling for them so they can stay.”

Two groups of people attend the event: students looking for jobs, and companies or employers looking to hire people. Mitchell said those two groups will alternate with one-minute talent pitches, and afterward participants will network.

“Our hope is to be able to bring together local employers and organizations who are looking for local talent,” Mitchell said. “We just want to focus on that local piece.”

Mitchell moved to Boone from Pennsylvania in 2015 for her job at App State.

“Our students bring a lot of diversity to the area,” Mitchell said. “I think that that’s been a beautiful thing that I’ve seen coming from Pennsylvania and very small institutions and very small towns.”

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