by Roger Pynn
We’ve had a long commitment to internships over our 30 years in business. In fact, I can’t remember a time when there wasn’t a young student working side-by-side with our team of professionals learning the real world application of what their professors were teaching in the classroom.
We’ve been fortunate to hire many of them. But the vast majority, who must now number close to 100, have gone on to other things … many to very good careers where we have been able to watch them grow as professionals with other companies. But you can’t help wonder, “Did we make an impact?”
Late last night one former intern took the time to send an email that made my day. We had run into Jon Hanson last week where he now has a very promising job with one of our clients, Electronic Arts Tiburon. He got his “dream job” working in the video game industry he loves.
“Great seeing you the other day,” he wrote. “I shared a story with one of our new employees today of the lessons learned at Curley & Pynn. Namely, taking complicated stories (I’m looking at you, Florida High Tech Corridor Council), and making it easy enough for an eighth grader to understand. My time with your team has proved invaluable, and helped set me up for success at EA.”
In this improving economy, talent may be the most important issue facing employers. Internships are a great way to pay back all those who gave you a chance … and have an impact on the quality of workers transitioning from college to career. The key is to make sure you are giving them a meaningful experience that leaves them with a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and with you the knowledge you’ve paid it forward.
Taking Aim 