With only three months to navigate an internship, the real question is: “How do I make an impact along the way?” The answer lies in being curious, open to learning, jumping in wherever you’re needed, and building connections.
This summer at Matern Staffing, I built new skills and contributed to a team that pushed me to grow. I set out to understand the staffing industry and ended up gaining much more: hands-on experience, meaningful friendships, and memories I’ll take with me moving forward.
Internships are more than a glimpse into a profession – they’re a unique chance to get a real feel for a job. But they also support companies, bringing in fresh energy and ideas. It’s a mutual exchange — growth for the intern, and new energy and ideas for the team.
Stepping into a New Role
As I walked through the doors on my first day, I looked around at the empty lobby with my heavy lunch box by my side and my heart racing from nervousness. After a few seconds, although they felt like hours, the welcoming team greeted me with kind smiles. We quickly exchanged names, and time flew by. Then, the butterflies in my stomach finally calmed when I started training with Jessica.
Jessica played a pivotal role in helping me grow both personally and professionally during my time at Matern. Her patience in answering all of my questions, her encouragement to step outside my comfort zone, and her consistently positive attitude helped calm my nerves and build my confidence. With her guidance and mentorship, I gradually came out of my shell and formed meaningful relationships with my colleagues. Jessica showed me that it’s possible to take your work seriously while still having fun and enjoying the people around you.
The first day of an internship is nerve wracking, just like starting any new job. Interns face added pressure to adapt quickly and make an impact in a limited timeframe. Navigate the internship by being open, learning as much as possible, and most importantly getting to know the people you work with. I reminded myself often to stay curious and connect with everyone around me. For me, that first connection came through Jessica. She was my go-to, my encourager, and the person who made the experience feel less overwhelming and a lot more meaningful.
Navigating the Unknown
Starting an internship can feel like diving into the deep end without a floatation device – uncertain, yet full of excitement and possibility. In those first few days, questions flood your mind: What will I be doing? Will I be helpful? How can I stand out? You don’t need all the answers to make an impact. What matters is how you choose to navigate the unknown.
The most effective strategy for navigating the unknown is being curious. Asking thoughtful questions, showing genuine interest in the work, and taking time to understand the team’s goals can set the tone for a meaningful experience. You don’t have to know everything. Being open to learning, eager to grow, and taking initiative makes a lasting impression on the people around you. The first place to display these characteristics is during your interview! First impressions are critical during the employment process. To help you feel prepared and confident, here’s a step-by-step interview checklist to guide you toward internship success:
Beyond curiosity, you must be open to adapting constantly. Take notes, ask questions, and treat every task as a chance to improve. If I could go back, I’d remind myself to write everything down and never hesitate to speak up, even when things felt unfamiliar. Impact doesn’t always come from big moments. Often, it’s built in the everyday ways you show up, contribute, and care. When you approach each day with a willingness to learn and a heart for helping, you don’t just build skills, you build trust and purpose. So, if you’re navigating an internship and feeling unsure, remember you’re not expected to know it all. You’re there to grow, to contribute, and to discover just how much you’re capable of.
Building Connections
Through the many learning curves, I discovered another key to interning is building connections. From the first day of work to the last, the team at Matern has been there for me. We start the day with a hug and finish the day with a long goodbye. It has been these moments that I’ll always remember. As an intern it may seem difficult or overwhelming to create relationships with your office mates, but if you put yourself out there and come with a smile every day, the connections will strengthen.
Connections in an internship are valuable because they could turn short-term experiences into long-term opportunities. The people you meet – mentors, teammates, even fellow interns, can offer guidance, open doors, and support your growth far beyond your time there. More than networking, it’s about building real relationships that help shape your path and remind you that you’re not navigating it alone.
Next time you meet someone, say hi and get to know them! Networking shouldn’t be transactional. Meeting others is a way to learn something new about yourself or the world around you. Tell your story, ask questions, and have fun while on the job! Through my experience at Matern, I’ve learned that it’s the people and the supportive culture that make work an anticipation. When you’re surrounded by a team that cares, encourages growth, and values helping others, showing up each day feels meaningful and rewarding.
Making a Difference
Internships are short by nature. With just a few weeks or months, it flies by in a blur of meetings, tasks, and new experiences. Even though the time is limited, your impact doesn’t have to be. Making an impact during your internship isn’t about being perfect or knowing all the answers. It’s about showing up with intention. When you bring curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to contribute, people notice. You begin to build trust, not just by completing tasks, but by being someone others can rely on. When I stepped through the doors of Matern Staffing for the first time, I had no idea what the job had in store for me. By taking initiative, the team trusted me. I challenged myself by managing the phones, helping future employees, and staying organized while supporting the team in a fast-paced environment.
Making an impact builds confidence and helps you figure out what kind of work excites you. At Matern Staffing I didn’t just connect with the internal team. I also connected with the people who walked through the doors every day. Over time, I saw firsthand what a difference we made in so many people’s lives. At Matern, we don’t just offer a job, but an opportunity for a new life. So, as you navigate your internship, don’t underestimate your presence. Even in a short time, you have the chance to contribute, grow, and make a lasting mark.
What Does the Office Think?
Now that I’ve shared my experience as an intern, I wanted to hear from the people who guided me along the way, the staffing coordinators at Matern Staffing. Here’s what one coordinator, Glenda Adams, had to say about how interns can truly make an impact.
“I really enjoy watching interns grow – seeing them go from being a little unsure on their first day to confidently contributing real value is so rewarding. It’s fulfilling to know I can play a part in their professional journey while also gaining from their enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and willingness to jump into projects with a positive mindset.” – Glenda Adams, Senior Staffing Coordinator
Glenda’s words reminded me that impact isn’t always measured in years of experience. It’s in the effort you bring, the relationships you build, and the willingness to learn and grow. My time as an intern wasn’t just a step in my career, it was a chance to leave a mark, however small, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.
Next Steps
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.