An internship can help lay the foundation for your professional career. It can influence how you continue your education, shape the career path you choose, and help you discover the work environment that suits you best. Internships—and the real-world experience they offer—are instrumental in shaping young professionals.

However, the benefits of an internship are not one-sided. Interns bring innovative ideas and fresh perspectives, offering a glimpse into an industry's future. Some may even return full-time, giving the organization a “new” team member they already know and trust. For managers and colleagues alike, having an intern is a valuable investment.

To explore this further, we spoke with Jed Perry, Head of U.S. Public Policy at UCB, about his experience mentoring interns and the value they bring to a team.

Jed has had multiple interns throughout his career. This summer, his team is pleased to have Gabriella Jensen, a Master’s student at Georgetown University, serve as their Public Policy Intern.
 

Q: What is the most apparent benefit that you have seen from having an intern on your team?

A: Our interns take on work and supplement roles that our team typically wouldn’t have the ability to do otherwise. Interns can do important, time-consuming work that is highly detailed and tedious that other team members may not have the time or capacity to do. This helps the entire team be more successful and work better as a collective.
 

Q: Why do you believe it is important for companies to invest in the training and mentoring interns?

A: Having internships are so important in guiding people and giving them an idea of how they want to start their careers. Once you give them that opportunity, they can visualize their future better and understand their preferences and career goals. Interns also force teams to slow down and understand the why behind their work and rethink the structural limitations of an industry.
 

Q: As a mentor, what is a piece of advice you have for an employee who is about to bring an intern onto their team?

A: Make sure you stop and explain. An intern may have limited knowledge or background on a particular subject, but they are there for a reason. Mentors must look for each teachable moment and be willing to explain and educate. 
 

Interns may only be with us for a season, but their impact and the investment in their growth can leave a lasting impression on teams, organizations, and the future of our industry.

Happy National Intern Day! 
_{Questions and responses have been shortened for conciseness and clarity.}