This summer, a transformative internship program coordinated by Lenovo and the education nonprofit NAF introduced 31 high school students from five local schools to the world of technology and business at Lenovo’s Morrisville, NC headquarters. This six-week program provided participants with hands-on experience, aimed not just at fostering their skills, but also at bridging the gap between education and the workforce.
“NAF prioritizes internships because real-world work experience is crucial for student success,” said Sarina Mathai, Assistant Director of Partnerships for NAF. The organization’s vision emphasizes three outcomes: developing career goals, cultivating skills through professional feedback, and creating valuable connections with industry professionals. For small business owners, these insights are essential in nurturing emerging talent and fostering a pipeline for future employment.
Interns at Lenovo found themselves immersed in various departments, tackling responsibilities that mirrored actual workplace tasks. Whether creating reports, meeting with global clients, or engaging in engineering projects, students embraced opportunities that would typically require years of experience. This exposure to authentic work challenges can be invaluable for shaping young professionals as they prepare to enter a competitive job market.
Flexible placements allowed interns to choose between independent tasks and collaborative projects, emphasizing the importance of adaptability—an essential trait for any small business. Libby Richards, Community Engagement Manager at Lenovo, highlighted that the internships provided structured learning experiences while also allowing students to engage directly with seasoned employees, thus enhancing their understanding of diverse career paths.
The interactions didn’t stop at daily tasks. Lenovo prioritized opportunities for interns to connect with its teams through events and meet-and-greets. These informal gatherings opened doors to conversations that could shape interns’ future career aspirations. Such initiatives exemplify how businesses can invest in the next generation while simultaneously gaining fresh perspectives and ideas.
The benefits of the internship program extend beyond the interns. Lance Tryon, Inside Technical Sales Sr. Manager, noted, “This is my third year as an intern manager, and I’m always impressed by the talented group of students that join us." Involving young minds can invigorate teams, inviting creativity and innovative ideas. When businesses empower students with trust and respect, as Chance, an intern, described, it cultivates a dynamic work environment that can yield unexpected breakthroughs.
Despite this promising setup, small business owners contemplating such internships should consider potential challenges. For one, the integration of interns into established teams can require additional training and mentoring resources, which might strain smaller operations. However, the long-term benefits of investing in talent development often far outweigh these initial hurdles.
Interns at Lenovo acknowledged the profound impact of their experiences. "This experience has been more than just a summer job; it’s been a step towards my future career,” expressed Amira, a Customer Experience Analyst Intern. These testimonials underline how structured internship programs can contribute significantly to personal and professional growth.
The Lenovo and NAF partnership is not merely a seasonal endeavor; it represents a broader commitment to nurturing talent and preparing the future workforce. Through these connections, students develop real-world skills while reinforcing the importance of career readiness. Small businesses looking to forge similar paths can leverage the lessons learned from Lenovo’s program, recognizing that mentoring and training young professionals can yield returns on investment in the form of loyalty, creativity, and a stronger workforce.
As the internship concluded, the sentiment echoed by participants and organizers alike affirmed that this initiative is a blueprint for success—one that small business owners might consider adopting to empower their community while benefiting their operational goals.
For more on this internship program, you can read the full press release here.
Image Via BizSugar
