Steve Sharpe’s Post

“4 years! That’s a long time to be with the same company!” That’s the reaction I get every time I mention that I’ve completed 4 years with my current organization. This weekend marks my 4th anniversary in a full-time position (because apparently, internships don't count as work experience 😔). Straight out of college, I joined my current organization as an intern, and I’ve been here ever since. I know 4 years is a significant tenure, but what has motivated me to stay are the countless opportunities I’ve received. During this time, I’ve been part of 3 teams, worked on 3 projects, held 3 positions, contributed to numerous features, explored various tech stacks, and transitioned from a front-end to a back-end engineer. No matter the task, I always give 200%, going above and beyond my role, and consistently being a top performer in every team. From an outsider's perspective, it might seem like I’m stuck with one organization, but truth is it has provided me a platform where I’ve grown immensely as an individual. To those with surprised reactions, I’m not against switching companies for career growth. I’m against the mindset that staying in the same organization hinders growth. Focus on learning and seizing opportunities. Money will eventually follow, whether in the same organization or another. #CareerGrowth #Opportunities #4YearAnniversary #Learning #TechJourney #ProfessionalGrowth

🌟 WHY INTERNS ARE IMPORTANT 🌟 Interns bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong drive to learn. They’re the future leaders, adding value while gaining invaluable experience! #FutureLeaders #InternPower #Innovation #Growth #TalentPipeline 🚀🌱

Celebrating Interns: Past, Present, and Future! 📣 📣 Today is National Intern Day! YAY! I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible journey of all our interns and future Rockstars (sorry, not sorry Workday) in the making. Whether you’re just starting or looking back on your internship experiences, your contributions and growth are truly inspiring! Internship opportunities are more than just stepping stones in our careers. They are transformative experiences that shape our professional paths, offering invaluable lessons and memories that last a lifetime. Here’s why these opportunities are so impactful: Real-World Experience: Internships immerse you in the actual work environment, providing hands-on experience that goes beyond textbooks and lectures. You get to see firsthand how theories translate into practice. Skill Development: Every task, project, and challenge you tackle helps you build a diverse skill set. From technical skills to soft skills like communication and teamwork, these experiences equip you with tools for success. Networking: Internships open doors to connect with industry professionals, mentors, and fellow interns. These connections can lead to lifelong friendships, mentorship opportunities, and even future job prospects. Career Exploration: Unsure about your career path? Internships are a fantastic way to explore different fields, industries, and roles. They help you discover your passions and make informed career decisions. Impactful Contributions: Don’t underestimate the value you bring as an intern. Your fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and enthusiasm can significantly impact the projects and teams you work with. As we reflect on these enriching experiences, let’s celebrate all interns' courage, curiosity, and dedication. To the past interns, thank you for paving the way. To the current interns, keep shining bright and making a difference. And to the future interns, get ready for an exciting adventure ahead! #EmbraceTheJourney and seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and make your mark. The world is waiting for your brilliance! #SeekingInternshipOpportunities 😎 #WalmartEarlyCareers Walmart Walmart Global Tech Sam's Club Carol Vella Brad Meredith Kendra McIntyre Courtney Sample

"🌟 Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Embracing the Responsibility to Mentor Interns 🌟 Corporate world must believe that nurturing talent and providing guidance to the next generation of professionals is not just a privilege but a responsibility. Internships aren't merely about completing tasks; they're about igniting passion, honing skills, and shaping futures. As corporate giants, one must recognize the immense impact one can have on aspiring individuals entering the workforce. By offering mentorship, valuable insights, and real-world experiences, pave the way for a brighter, more innovative tomorrow. Let's remember, investing in interns isn't just about benefiting their careers; it's about enriching our own workplaces with fresh perspectives, diverse ideas, and a culture of continuous learning. Join the community in championing this cause, and together, let's build a future where every intern thrives. 🚀 #Mentorship #FutureLeaders #CorporateResponsibility"

I've seen two distinct mentorship structures in early career programs, and one seems to be a clear winner in my book. 1) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 '𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮': This is where we call for volunteers across the company. It's a bit of a wild ride, with mentors potentially guiding 1-5 interns from various functions. They get a wildfire of perspectives, as they get to learn from different areas of the company. 2) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 '𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗿': This one's a bit more structured. To secure intern headcount, you need to assign a mentor from your direct team. It's like a buddy system that fosters accountability and team collaboration. Plus, it gives interns a safe space to ask those ‘silly’ questions they are nervous to ask their boss. Ultimately, the choice between a smorgasbord of perspectives or a tight-knit team experience might depend on what the company values more. In my experience, I have received way more positive feedback and positive mentor experience from option number two. What's your take? Hiring Managers, early in career professionals, and anyone who's ever been an intern - which structure would you prefer and why? Veris Insights #intern #internship

I value and have maximized the gift of having interns for many years, from my HR practitioner days to even now, with my business. It's been a mutual journey of understanding and development. Interns are our future, so why not be part of their nurturing of them? Let’s celebrate and support these future leaders! Comment below, would love to hear your perspective. #nationalinternday #futureleaders #mentorship #internships

As summer interns embark on their professional journeys, it's essential for us as leaders to reflect on the impact we can have on their growth. Here are some valuable pieces of advice to share: - Seek out companies that align with your personality, interests, and values to foster a positive work environment. - Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and skill development to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of opportunities. - Remember that it's perfectly acceptable to pivot and explore different career paths as you evolve professionally. - Cherish the experiences you accumulate along the way, as each one contributes to your growth and development over time. #Leadership #CareerAdvice #Internship #ProfessionalGrowth #LearningAndDevelopment

✨ Who should you reach out to during your internship? ✨ Without a doubt, interns are the key to success in your future career – which is why TD organized an entire day of celebration for us, including sweet treats, games, and the chance to mingle! 🍬🤝 But why is connecting with other interns so important? While you should still try to reach out to as many managers, AVPs, and VPs as possible, your fellow interns are a resource much more precious than you'd imagine, for three main reasons: 1. They offer you the chance to learn more about TD's numerous teams/departments. ↪️ Talking to other interns allows you to truly understand what other teams do, including their daily work lives and yearly deliverables. And because information is gold in order to find your perfect fit, interns are the way to go. 2. They are more accessible, relatable, and you will have more relaxed conversations. ↪️ Reaching out to VPs and managers is always a stressful process, as some of us might feel embarrassed to appear too needy or pushy. Meeting with people your own age, who you share interests with, who are going through the same tribes and tribulations of interning, and who are eager to form new connections will lead you to have more relaxed and open conversations. You can discuss personal matters more openly and get advice on subjects you might not want to bring up directly with your management. Interns are also usually less busy than executives, meaning more chances to meet and connect! 3. Most importantly, you will grow into young professionals together. ↪️ No connections are as powerful as the ones we make while trying to find ourselves. Creating real friendships with your fellow interns while you all try to figure out your futures – which is stressful enough – will result in lasting connections. Be someone they can rely on, and you'll soon have access to the next generation of leaders and drivers of change in your community! #TDCampus #ProudToBeTD 💚

🎉Celebrating National Intern Day: Honoring the Future Leaders Today, we celebrate the energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives that interns bring to our organizations. We understand the immense value that interns contribute. Why Interns Matter: Fresh Perspectives: Interns bring new ideas and approaches, challenging the status quo and driving innovation. Future Leaders: Internships are the first step in a professional journey, helping shape tomorrow's leaders. Skill Development: Interns have the opportunity to develop essential skills, from technical expertise to leadership capabilities. Mutual Growth: The experience is a two-way street—interns learn from us, and we learn from them. Guidelines for Maximizing the Internship Experience: Mentorship: Provide guidance and support, helping interns navigate their roles and grow professionally. Challenging Projects: Assign meaningful tasks that allow interns to apply their knowledge and develop new skills. Feedback: Offer constructive feedback regularly, ensuring interns know their strengths and areas for improvement. Inclusion: Foster an inclusive environment where interns feel valued and part of the team. Interns are not just temporary team members; they are the future of our industries. Let’s invest in their growth and celebrate their contributions today and every day. To all the interns out there: Keep pushing boundaries, asking questions, and bringing your unique perspectives to the table. Your journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see where it takes you! #NationalInternDay #FutureLeaders #TalentDevelopment #Leadership #Internships #Fulfil2B #ProfessionalGrowth

Was my 16-month internship worth it?? 🫣 𝟰 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀: Fully onboarded onto my role. Getting to know my department, still feeling shy. 𝟲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀: Comfortable in my daily tasks. Looking for new challenges within my role. 𝟴 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀: Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone & team. Providing suggestions & feedback to my team. 𝟭𝟬 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀: Huge company shift into a new building and team! 😮💨 Learning a new role again. 𝟭𝟮 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀: Quickly got comfortable in my new role (with a year of company experience under my belt). 𝟭𝟲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀: Providing recommendations back to my manager. Wrapping up final projects. Training new interns (full circle!). Ramping up for my final year of school. My honest feedback? 4 months felt like nothing. 8 months is fine. 12 months is the sweet spot. At the one-year mark, my fellow interns and I were able to give back to the company, become experts in our role, and had the opportunity to explore 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 our role. As I am nearing 16 months, I’m excited to push my comfort zone again, entering my final year of university as a student dramatically different than the one who started. I have learned SO MUCH outside of the classroom that could only be taught by real-life experience. I am extremely grateful for the mentorship and support from my managers and team members at SOTI. Fellow interns - do you agree or disagree?? 🤔Let me know in the comments! ⬇ #intern #internship #workexperience #reallife #marketing #coop #student