A Surprising Internship Experience: Learning and Growth
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Chapter 1: The Unconventional Intern Dilemma
Recently, I found myself in a perplexing situation when an intern approached me about a full-time position. Surprisingly, she had little praise for her direct supervisor.
To clarify, I am not the intern's supervisor; she reports to another team member. This twist adds an interesting layer to the story.
Moreover, the intern, whom we'll call Ling, has shown a lack of respect for Isabelle, the youngest member of our team and a Gen Z representative. Given their small age gap of just seven years, I had anticipated they would relate better.
But here’s the kicker: Ling desires to join our team and the company despite her unfavorable impression of Isabelle. This was unexpected.
Ling, who has been with us for three months focusing on software sales, chose to take a six-month gap year from university to gain practical experience. Perhaps our intern compensation is above average, which might explain her enthusiasm. Regardless, Ling is nearing the end of her internship, and I must evaluate her performance for her university’s career office.
I've received overwhelmingly positive feedback about her from my colleagues.
The beauty of the workplace is that you don't need daily interactions to form a comprehensive understanding of someone's capabilities.
Alex, an industrious immigrant, and Dora both praised Ling when I asked for their assessments. Even Joe, the outspoken Gen Xer, commended her efforts.
"I was late to a client meeting last week, but she managed everything, guiding the presentation until I arrived. She's remarkable. Hire her!"
Joe's comments were laced with his usual humor, as he couldn't resist contrasting Ling with Isabelle. His offhand remark, "If only our Gen Z princess worked half as hard as Ling," was telling.
His endorsement of Ling was clear; he sees her as a valuable asset, stating, "Please hire Ling. She’s worth 1.5 times what we pay."
While Joe's comments hinted at a desire to replace Isabelle, I remained focused on evaluating Ling.
Section 1.1: The Assessment Interview
Ling arrived ten minutes early for her assessment, impressively dressed in a blazer. Our conversation covered a range of topics: team dynamics, her enjoyment of the work, and areas for improvement. Her insights on direct client interactions were enlightening.
Ling was well-prepared for our discussion, and I quickly found myself leaning towards a top evaluation, especially as Joe’s words echoed in my mind.
I was particularly curious about Ling's perspective on Isabelle. With a hint of hesitation, she responded, "I find her… lazy, um, fascinating. I never understood her reluctance to take on more work."
This candid feedback was amusing, and I couldn't help but chuckle. Ling quickly pivoted, wanting to clarify, "But Isabelle is kind! She took me to nice lunches and shared insights about everyone!"
I was nearly in stitches, trying to maintain my composure.
Ling then made her intentions clear: "I’m eager to continue working here. I’ve updated my CV and feel I’ve gained invaluable experience in software and consulting sales."
This revelation took me by surprise; she was proactive, even requesting, "Can I not report to Isabelle in a permanent role?"
I inquired about her reasoning. "I wish to learn and earn more," she explained.
Her response could reflect on both her ambitions and her view of Isabelle. Ling continued, "I aim for quick promotion. My grandparents funded my education, and I want to support my younger brother in college."
This ambition resonated with me. People driven by personal goals often excel and contribute significantly.
Ling concluded, "Ideally, I’d like to report directly to you for mentorship. But I can work with Alex or Joe initially. Can I ask for a starting salary of $4.5k?"
Her assertiveness was commendable, and I pondered her proposal. With Joe and Alex needing assistance, Ling would be a valuable addition.
The room went silent as I contemplated my response. Ling patiently awaited my feedback.
The Close
I walked Ling to the door and observed my team at work. Isabelle was tending to her sunflowers, seemingly disconnected from the hustle around her.
Shutting the door, I reached out to James, the HR Director, to discuss Ling's request. "Hey, Ling is interested in a full-time position. I’ll send you an email shortly to set up a conversation."
James sounded enthusiastic, and I felt a sense of relief. This unexpected turn of events might just lead to an excellent addition to our team.
Time will tell.