Intern to Intern: Advice to Make the Most Out of Your Summer

All of us have had a slightly different experience, but we can all agree that we have learned a lot being interns at JES Holdings and its affiliate companies! Our time as interns in different parts of the company has given us some ideas of how an intern can really supercharge their experience. Here are some key pieces of advice that the 2016 intern class would offer the intern class of 2017:

“Track your progress! With bi-weekly email updates and regular progress meetings with your supervisor, you will definitely have a record of your milestones. Save those emails! Recording your summer progress will be useful in conversations about going full-time, and are also great to keep in mind when future employers ask about this internship. Also, take the initiative to ask questions about other parts of the company. Pre-leasing interns can learn a lot by discovering how the Marketing Department works and how the construction teams function. Meanwhile, learning about property management and leasing processes can really inform a marketing intern’s perspective. Do not waste the opportunity to learn all that you can to enrich your experience—not to mention that the perfect position for you may be in another department.” 

• Nicki Murff, Intern January 2016 to May 2017, Hospitality, Pre-Leasing, Marketing

“1) Take advantage of your intern mentors. They have been where you are and can truly help you learn more about JES. It takes some effort to meet, but it is well worth it. 2) Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re an intern and people don’t expect you to have all the answers. My life would have been a lot easier if I had simply asked more questions in the beginning. Everyone wants to see you succeed and is more than willing to help. 3) Make time to hang out with other interns. They are going through the same experience as you and you can make some great friendships – who knows, you might end up as coworkers. 4) Take advantage of all the volunteer opportunities offered at JES. It is a great way to meet people outside of your department and to get a feel for the company. It was one of my favorite parts of my internship.”

• Jacob Renie, Intern May 2016 to May 2017, Marketing

“Ask questions! Don’t be afraid to ask questions!”

• Troy Wilson, Intern May 2016 to May 2017, Construction

“I would encourage all of the new interns to take advantage of all of the opportunities JES offers them. Not only do JES and its affiliate companies offer amazing educational workplace opportunities, but they also plan many extra events that give you the opportunity to meet more people in the company and learn from them. So, basically, if you are wondering whether or not you should attend that cocktail hour or social event, I would definitely advise you to say yes!”

• Nicole Bunte, Intern May 2016 to May 2017, Marketing

“Be open to trying various roles within the company, because it helps give you a better understanding of the LIHTC market and how it all works from a business standpoint.”

• Matt Bergjans, Intern May 2016 to May 2017, Property Management