When we welcomed our first intern back in 2018, we knew we were investing in the future. But what we couldn’t have predicted was just how much that investment would pay off—not just for us, but for her and her employer. Today, we’re excited to share a full-circle moment with Allison, a remarkable woman who started her career journey with us and has gone on to thrive at one of the region’s top employers. Allison’s story is one of growth, grit, and great outlook—and we’re honored to have been part of it.
It All Began at a Job Fair
Halfway through her junior year at the University of Mary Washington, Allison walked into a career fair hoping to find an internship that would give her real-world experience. She found the Matern Staffing table, handed over her resume, and took the first step toward something new.
At the time, she had only worked in general receptionist roles. The staffing industry was entirely new to her—and a little intimidating. But she showed up with curiosity and courage, two things that would serve her well during her time with us and beyond.
Learning the Staffing Ropes & Setting Goals
Starting something new always comes with a little nervous energy, but she never let that stop her. From day one, Allison jumped in to learn the processes surrounding recruitment, interviewing, onboarding and marketing. She gained insight into our employer partners, allowing her to make thoughtful connections between candidates and companies based on culture, skills, and experience.
“Ginni made sure I had real work experience,” Allison recalls. “The experience was very educational and thrilling. I learned a lot about professional growth and what interested me for my future in the workplace.”
One moment that still sticks with her? Being tasked with drafting bids for government contracts—something Matern Staffing had never done at the time. Rather than shy away from the challenge, she leaned in. She attended a training course, did her own research, and put together a bid submission. Though we may not have won the bid, Allison (and Matern) gained experience into the complexity of government contracting. The result wasn’t just a bid—it was a bold step into uncharted territory, and she handled it with grit and grace.
Making an Impact
Through her internship and later her full-time role at Matern Staffing, she discovered two lessons that have stayed with her:
- Workplace culture matters. Finding a setting where you feel supported is crucial to long-term growth.
- If a task scares you, it’s probably worth doing. Fear, she learned, often signals an opportunity to stretch and grow.
Those insights helped shape her next steps. Though she never made her way into HR or recruitment, the interview skills she gained at Matern built a strong foundation in customer service—learning to listen actively, ask the right questions, and communicate clearly, all of which are essential in any client-facing role. Today, Allison is a Customer Projects Designer III at a local public utility, managing work orders for electrical distribution requests. Those early days of navigating new software systems and learning to work in a team environment also show up in her day-to-day work.
Fond Memories & Reflections
Reflecting on her journey, Allison encourages students and early-career professionals not to wait for the “perfect” opportunity:
“Do not consider—just go for it,” Allison says. “Internships and early career roles help guide you toward the career you want. You learn basic skills of the workforce early while some of your peers wait until post graduation or years down the line. It sets you apart.”
And if you’re still unsure what you want to do with your career? Her advice is equally powerful:
“It’s okay not to know what you want to do—but don’t wallow in it. Choose a path that seems okay and see what you end up loving (and hating) about it. Starting in any direction is better than standing still.”
Full-Circle
From intern to full-time team member to career professional at a major utility company, her journey is a testament to the power of early opportunities, courageous choices, and continuous growth. Watching her take those early lessons and soar has been a joy for our team at Matern Staffing—and a reminder of why we believe so deeply in developing future talent.
She may have started with us, but her story is all her own. And we’re so proud of how far she’s come.
Now It’s Your Turn
Are you looking for an internship? Check our Jobs page to learn about open internship opportunities or contact Virginia Talent & Opportunity Partnership (VTOP) for additional resources.