Internship turns into Meredith job for one Inter-Lakes senior

MEREDITH —Inter-Lakes School District senior Justin Knowles of Meredith recently started a new job as a sales and merchandising associate at Lovering Volvo Cars of Meredith.

Knowles secured the job after completing a six-month internship at the dealership through the Career Partnership Program, a long-standing initiative between Inter-Lakes and the Greater Meredith Program.

An award-winning 501(c)(3), the GMP attempts to promote economic growth in the Lakes Region by better connecting school students with prospective employers.

"We're pleased that we were able to connect Justin with Lovering Volvo through the Career Partnership Program," Inter-Lakes School District Superintendent Mary Moriarty said. "Justin's success is yet another example of the value of the longstanding partnership between Inter-Lakes and the Greater Meredith Program."

As a sales and merchandising associate, Knowles' role will consist of maintaining inventory, keeping the dealership website up-to-date, and providing advice about key features of vehicle trims and models.

“For 20 years, Lovering Auto Group has been doing business in the Lakes Region and is proud to partner with the Greater Meredith Program and Inter-Lakes High School to promote internships," Group Owner Linda Lovering said. "It’s important to let students experience a real-life work environment to see if this is something they would like to pursue as a career.”

Knowles' role will start as part-time and become full-time once he graduates from Inter-Lakes in June.

"I've always loved helping people and solving problems," Knowles said. "I reached out to the GMP to find a job that would encompass this and my passion for cars. I was quickly introduced to the people at Lovering Volvo. I've learned a lot by asking questions and am now ready to take on the new challenge."