Embracing the Hybrid Model: A Transformative Internship Experience

Intern programs are designed to be win-win scenarios where the intern gets to work in an area of interest, and the company gets to build close relationships with a pipeline of talented workers. For more on what companies get out of internships, read this. 

April was National Internship Awareness Month, but July 27th is National Intern Day! So what better way to celebrate than by letting one of our interns lead today's insights. We welcomed Rohan Ponnusamy in a previous post, where we talked about a unique intern program in our industry called Upward Mobility. As a participant in this program, Rohan is back to share some more detailed thoughts on how mobility can offer great experiences for interns. Take it away!

"The internship landscape has evolved significantly since 2020, primarily due to the impact of Covid restrictions and the benefits of virtual work. Today, we have three main options for working: in-person, fully virtual, and a hybrid model. As we emerge from the pandemic restrictions, many surveys predict that the hybrid work model is here to stay, with companies likely settling into having employees in the office around three days a week. (McKinsey) This shift has also affected the intern experience, and I, too, have observed its influence during my time at Plus Relocation Services in the global mobility industry.

Allow me to share the top five learnings I gained during my internship in the Upward Mobility program:

1. Finding the Ideal Work Structure: Throughout my experiences with school, work, and extracurricular activities, I have encountered different work structures. From these, I have personally found that I actually thrive in a hybrid work model. It provides the best of both worlds, allowing me to enjoy in-person interactions with colleagues while also benefiting from the peace and focus of virtual work. The balance of the social connections and the mental reset has been positive for balancing my productivity and overall well-being.
2. Rotational Experience: My current internship attracted me because of the structure of rotating across the organization and getting the chance to work in a variety of departments. With dedicated mentors for each department, I gained valuable insights into Plus's. By taking organized notes and engaging in one-on-one meetings, I developed a comprehensive understanding of how each department contributes to the company's success, and how we each go about "delivering delight" to clients in helping them through their mobility journey.
3. Understanding the Global Mobility Industry: Like many others, I initially had very little idea what the global mobility industry entailed until I started this internship opportunity at Plus. While I realized that people moved for work, I had no idea the type of support that a company can provide nor how the support is delivered. Over the summer, I've received a comprehensive introduction to global mobility, along with the specific services offered and the supplier partners who support everything. Mobility is a complex industry, but even during my short time as an intern, I have been exposed to a multitude of nuances, from policies and benefits to expense management and tax reporting.
4. Embracing Professionalism: Working in person for most of the week has taught me the importance of time management and organization. I learned to effectively use calendars, wake up earlier to optimize my schedule, and plan for each day efficiently. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by Plus's emphasis on employee wellbeing committees, which contribute to a rich work culture beyond the core tasks of the company.
5. Leveraging My Strengths: Plus is a "strengths based organization", and I appreciate how my internship experience has used the CliftonStrengths framework to help me explore different tasks and responsibilities. I have a better understanding of my own personal and professional growth, and where my strengths show up in a team. 

On top of everything else, my confidence as a worker and a teammate has grown significantly because of my internship experience. The exposure to diverse teams has also led me to embrace two mottos: "Be curious, not judgmental" (thanks Ted Lasso) and "Always show compassion." These values will continue to shape my outlook, as I encounter new challenges and experiences.

I am glad that internships are transforming because of the shift towards hybrid work and other changes. My own time as an intern at Plus has been enriching, providing me with valuable insights, skills, and a clearer vision of my future endeavors. As I move forward, I am eager to carry these learnings with me, embracing change and growth with an open heart and mind."

Thanks Rohan - some great thoughts and insights and we'll be celebrating National Intern Day by reflecting on these!