For the South Florida economy to continue to grow and thrive, talented and highly skilled college and university graduates must be able to find the quality, high-paying jobs they desire. To retain the region’s “intellectual capital,” Florida International University has teamed up with local academic and economic development institutions to provide students with meaningful work experience in key, targeted industries. The One Community One Goal (OCOG) Talent Development Network (TDN) is an innovative regional program designed to prepare and align talent with Miami Dade County’s economic development strategy. The program is the collective effort of Miami’s seven major educational institutions -- Barry University, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, the University of Miami and Miami-Dade County Public Schools – who comprise the Academic Leaders Council. Supported by The Beacon Council, Miami’s economic development agency, and industry partners, the program works to build and retain talent, establish and grow a regional internship culture, and align academic curriculum with industry needs in South Florida. The program has been working to place students in paid internship positions with industry partners aligned with OCOG target industries leading to individual and regional economic prosperity.
