A Pandemic Internship: An Essential Opportunity for Growth and Development

Summer was once a time for students to pause their studies and gain work experience in their field through internships and entry level jobs. But the physical and financial limitations imposed by coronavirus has resulted in industry-wide uncertainty, program cuts, hiring freezes, and 6.5 million Americans have been unemployed for over 15 weeks. 

Throughout the spring, I, like countless others, found myself drowning in applications for internships that were later revoked or failed to hear back on dozens of job inquiries. But just as it was looking like I’d be spending the summer quarantined with my family, making endless loaves of focaccia bread from scratch, I was lucky enough to land a spot at Hencove. 

Going from an at-home student to an at-home intern

Being quarantined since March was something none of us expected, and the end of the school year was both something I desperately needed but also feared losing. 

After a few months of screen-freezes during lectures, dogs barking in the background, and seeing plenty of my peers’ childhood bedrooms on camera, I was certainly ready for May to come so I could take a break from Zoom. But, as excited as I was for the school year to be over, I had officially lost structure in my life and was anxious about my future both as a student and an impending graduate during a time filled with so many unknowns. 

Starting at Hencove was a game changer. Between my habit of staying busy and my eagerness to work, I was grateful to have the chance to do something meaningful and continue my education in reality.  

On the simplest level, this position helped me maintain a level of normalcy and routine while at home. Professionally, I have been able to learn so much about the client-agency relationship, become more adaptable to quick-changing situations, and improve as a communicator, writer and designer. 

I am grateful that Hencove was able to provide me with this experience and saw potential in me as a positive contribution to the team. Although I was fortunate to secure an internship this summer, many students and young professionals are still looking for an opportunity to gain working experience.

What can interns bring to the table?

Interns are often ready to hit the ground running, and by taking advantage of that energy, organizations can establish a mutually beneficial relationship for all involved. With the support of an open-minded team, an intern can be an incredible asset to any company.

• Productivity. Interns are looking to learn and contribute, so pass along a side project or ask us to edit alongside the rest of the team. A fresh set of eyes around the office can catch minute details and make sure nobody is overwhelmed with work.
• Fresh Ideas. Education curriculum is constantly changing as industries and practices evolve, so having an intern brings in new ideas based on the most recent educational standards. So, much like a software update, interns can introduce new concepts, theories, and tools to your team.
• Visibility. The benefits of having interns can be a two-way street. Interns want to gain valuable experience and they also bring those experiences with your company back to school with them. With more on-campus visibility, more students might inquire about internships and jobs in the future.

Internship programs are not only a direct investment in the growth of young professionals, but they are also an investment in the future of an industry. College graduates enter the workforce with a fresh education but are conditioned in classroom environments which can only mimic reality to a degree. Offering internships will prepare students to begin their careers with valuable real-world experience, giving them a stronger footing in their first post-graduate job and beyond.