Internships are more than just stepping stones for students; they are also great opportunities for both companies and students to grow.Reflecting on my internship at Tribe, I’m so grateful to have worked alongside such a supportive team and gained important insights into the professional world. Tribe helped me make the most of my experience and build meaningful relationships that benefited both my personal growth and the company's projects.With these key takeaways, employers can deliver rewarding internship experiences that mutually benefit the intern and the company:
Every intern brings unique skills and interests. During my time at Tribe, I was encouraged to focus on a project related to Abercrombie & Fitch’s Allies for Equity program and present my findings to the team. Allowing interns to engage deeply with their work and share their insights not only shows that you care about their interests and development, but also provides valuable recommendations from an outside point of view that can benefit the company in the long-run.
Create an environment where interns can openly discuss feedback and goals. Taking the time to understand their thought processes and celebrate their progress helps align their efforts with personal aspirations and company objectives.Not only that, managing and teaching interns is also a great way to develop other employees. The process of mentoring interns offers managers and employees a valuable opportunity to explain their thinking and in turn, enhance their own skills. This mutual growth creates an open learning environment that will benefit the entire organization.
A big part of building a rewarding internship is to empower interns in their roles. While giving me clear guidelines and expectations, Tribe allowed me to take on my own projects – including this blog and my Day in the Life as an Intern video. Giving interns this responsibility can help them tap into their creativity and develop a sense of accountability.When interns know that their work has a tangible impact on the company, they are more likely to be motivated and invested in their tasks. This can bring significant value to your company and even encourage other employees to take ownership over their work.
Engagement doesn't have to end when the workday does. Organizing activities outside of the office or even at lunchtime can help make the internship experience more memorable and build camaraderie among the full-time team. Publix runs, group jeopardy games at lunch and post-work workouts were valuable moments that made me feel integrated into the culture and made this a rewarding internship.Maintaining this relationship, even if their time at the company may be temporary, will also provide long-term benefits as interns may become future partners or clients.Investing in your intern is a powerful way to foster their growth and ensure a meaningful experience. By providing these opportunities, you can create an environment that is representative of your culture and what makes it special. These practices will ensure both interns and employers reap lasting benefits from the internship experience.A special thank you to everyone at Tribe, and especially Tim, who always made me feel like what I was doing was important for myself, for the team and for Tribe.Want to learn more about making the most of your employees' experience? Tribe can help.
