Internships are more than just a line on a resume, they’re a crucial opportunity for growth, exploration, and connection. For both students and companies, internships hold the power to create lasting impact. A meaningful internship isn’t just about completing tasks; it’s about gaining valuable skills, making meaningful contributions, and fostering genuine relationships.
A great internship allows students to work on projects that matter. Whether it’s developing a new product feature, analyzing data for strategic decisions, or crafting a marketing campaign, impactful projects give interns a sense of purpose. Companies benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, while interns build confidence in their abilities.
Strong mentorship can transform an internship into a truly impactful experience. Derick, a Staff Software Engineer at Censia, has been hiring Forge interns since 2021. Understanding that company jargon can be overwhelming, he keeps an open chat with interns during Zoom meetings to decode acronyms and industry terms in real-time. This simple yet effective approach makes interns feel more confident and integrated without the fear of interrupting a meeting to ask for clarification. Effective mentorship like this not only supports interns but also nurtures future talent.
Internships should challenge interns to stretch their abilities, whether by mastering new technical skills, improving communication, or problem-solving in dynamic environments. The best experiences strike a balance between structured guidance and the freedom to explore independently, fostering innovation and creativity.
Beyond tasks and responsibilities, interns want to feel included. When Manuella Kwawu, a Launch 2024 intern at Wake Electric, was invited to speak on their Changing Energy podcast (Episode 34: All Data Tells a Story), it wasn’t just a learning opportunity, it was a sign that her insights and contributions mattered. Meaningful inclusion like this builds confidence and a deeper connection to company culture.
Students don’t expect to be perfect, but they do want to improve. Regular feedback helps interns understand their strengths and identify areas for growth. Knowing that their work is being recognized and that their development is a priority makes an internship more fulfilling and impactful for everyone involved.
At the end of an internship, both interns and companies should be able to reflect on meaningful progress, whether it’s a completed project, a stronger professional network, or a newfound career direction. Many interns even continue working with their internship companies after the program ends. Take Riley Washington, a Launch 2024 Software Engineering intern, who received a full-time offer from Lumin after her internship. Now a full-time software engineer, she credits Forge with giving her the foundation to succeed:
“Forge helped me get started and excel in the software engineering sphere.” ~ Riley Washington
An exceptional intern isn’t just someone who can complete tasks — they bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. They contribute value to their teams and embrace challenges with a growth mindset. Here are the key traits that make an intern stand out:
“Launch was fantastic! I would recommend it to any company that wants highly skilled interns who can move the needle at your organization.”
Forge bridges the gap between talented, driven interns and companies looking for fresh perspectives and future talent. By partnering with Forge, companies gain access to vetted, high-potential candidates, while students receive hands-on experience that prepares them for their careers. If you’re ready to create a meaningful internship experience that benefits everyone involved, connect with Forge today and start building the future of your team!