At Universal Dynamics, we recognize that internships are essential to our mission of creating lasting change within our community. Interns are far more than temporary support; they are invaluable team members who bring fresh energy, innovative ideas, and diverse perspectives, strengthening our efforts and enhancing our impact. Cyndi Mack, Director of HR at Universal Dynamics shared with us what they look for in an intern and how to get the best out of them.
What kind of tasks and projects are interns typically assigned?
We design our internships and externships to align with the age and grade level of the students. Our secondary internships and externships are primarily industry-specific, showcasing career opportunities within the field. For post-secondary students, we focus on specific projects related to their area of study, providing valuable hands-on experience.
How do you balance the intern’s learning experience with the needs of your organization?
We balance the intern’s learning experience with our organization’s needs by creating structured internship plans that incorporate both educational objectives and project requirements. We conduct initial interviews to understand the intern’s learning goals and align them with our organizational needs. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions help ensure that the intern is gaining valuable experience while also contributing meaningfully to our projects.
What are the most important qualities you look for in an intern?
Some key qualities that I look for in an intern include enthusiasm, adaptability, strong communication skills, teamwork, initiative, reliability, critical thinking, attention to detail, relevant technical skills, and open-mindedness. These attributes help interns thrive in a dynamic environment and effectively contribute to our mission.
How do you ensure that interns feel integrated into the team and company culture?
We ensure that our interns feel integrated and have a rewarding experience through a comprehensive onboarding process that helps them understand the business and its goals. Additionally, interns can expect to work on projects that align with the objectives of their department, allowing them to contribute to the department’s and the organization’s continued success.
What social or networking opportunities do you provide for interns?
We provide our interns with various social and networking opportunities, such as shadowing our leadership team at community events, attending workshops, and participating in networking events with other professionals in the field. These experiences allow interns to build valuable connections and gain insights into different career paths.
How do you encourage interns to interact with other employees outside their immediate team?
Interns are encouraged to interact with other employees outside their immediate team by including them in organization-wide events and meetings. We foster an inclusive environment where interns are invited to contribute to discussions and collaborate on projects with various departments. This approach helps them build relationships across the organization and enhances their understanding of our mission.
What do you consider a successful outcome for an intern after the internship is complete?
I consider an intern’s successful outcome to be when they can effectively communicate their experiences and insights from the position. Our intent is to provide real-life experiences that help interns understand career expectations, allowing them to determine if the career path will ultimately bring them happiness in the future. . When interns leave feeling empowered and equipped with skills and knowledge relevant to their future careers, we know we have succeeded.