The Internship that Changed My Life.

I was 19 years old with a 10-year-old Ford Probe and a job as a pizza delivery driver at Papa Johns.  While I loved being a delivery driver, I was looking for a more “traditional” 9-5 role with the potential for a job after I graduated college.  I got lucky and connected with Stanley Staffing about an internship opportunity.  I had no idea what “staffing” was, no idea what this internship would entail or require of me and no idea if it paid anything, but I knew I wanted an office job.  In my interview for this internship, I met with the office Manager, Mark, we chatted for a bit and then he asked me if I knew what a “cold call” was.  I didn’t, but I was (and still often am) brutally honest so I responded with: “I have no idea what a cold call is, but at 5 years old my dad told me I would make a great salesperson and I’m determined to make that come true”.  He shook my hand and told me he liked my honesty and fearless attitude.  I got the internship.

For the next 2 years I worked part time at Stanley Staffing as an intern, I went to school full time and worked at the pizzeria on the weekends and sometimes the night shift.  I was always working and didn’t get a ton of sleep, but who needs sleep at that age.  I loved it.  I learned so much from Mark and the owner Dave – I learned what a cold call was, I learned how to be good at them.  They taught me all about the staffing industry, they helped me network and join the Chamber of Commerce.  They bought me my first suit and taught me the importance of a business lunch. 

When I look back at my career, that internship was the launch pad.  For me, it propelled me into a lifelong career in the staffing industry and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for that internship.  I wouldn’t have this platform to help people find jobs and match companies with their next super star employee.  However, I am a firm believer that an internship will be a valuable teaching opportunity, even if doesn’t lead to your first or lifelong career.  Some might argue that learning you don’t want to work in that job/industry is even more valuable than learning that you do.  With that said, with summer around the corner, I would encourage all college students and young professionals to seek out internship opportunities.  I would also encourage all employers and business owners/managers, who are able, to hire interns.  Who knows, you very well might change someone’s career, and life, trajectory.