AEM’s Internship Program has been nominated for the third consecutive year as a top-100 internship program through Yello & WayUp for National Intern Day (NID). Launched in 2017, National Intern Day recognizes future leaders and the organizations that put care into their development.
AEM revitalized its internship program in 2022 to include a robust curriculum centered around career development. Since the new program was launched, AEM has established a talent pipeline of entry-level professionals eager to join AEM, other not-for-profit organizations, and AEM Member companies.
Why It Matters
It’s key that organizations develop interns with the goal of transitioning them into qualified candidates for full time roles. This requires increased attention, planned training, and adequate support from their leaders.
We’ve all read about large organizations providing high-stakes tasks to interns without proper guidance, leading to mishaps like site shut-downs or accidental leaks of private information. Can you recall the mistakes you might have made during your first office job? Perhaps you received puzzled looks from coworkers due to your embarrassing misuse of office jargon, or sent an all-staff email riddled with typos.
Intern leaders have their work cut out for them, and it’s not a task for an impatient manager. Developing future leaders requires a commitment to providing attention to those early in their career. AEM takes a purposeful approach to developing interns with thorough training on technology, office etiquette, and even practice in taking initiative and improving processes.
Industry Impact
Well-trained interns from AEM’s program significantly enhance the overall talent pool, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the industry. These interns, equipped with comprehensive training and real-world experience, are not only prepared to excel in their roles but also to drive positive changes within their organizations. Member companies that hire AEM interns benefit from this influx of skilled and motivated individuals, experiencing improved productivity and a boost in workplace morale. The ripple effect of hiring well-prepared interns extends beyond immediate gains, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation that strengthens the entire industry. Supporting AEM’s internship program means investing in future leaders who will shape and advance our industry for years to come.
The reality of continuously developing early talent is that there is often a lack of capacity to transition many interns into full-time roles. Fortunately, AEM interns face unique opportunities to network with members and industry partners and are encouraged to build these relationships. Where AEM may not be able to provide full-time positions, industry partners will benefit from the care and attention put into their development.
What’s Next?
As we continue to expand our internship program in the coming months, we urge our AEM community to support our efforts and vote for AEM’s internship program as a top 100 program. Your vote is more than just a recognition; it is a commitment to fostering early talent development that will benefit our industries and member organizations for years to come. By championing our program, you are investing in future leaders who will drive innovation and excellence within our industry.
AEM sincerely thanks you for your ongoing support and dedication to nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. Together, we can build momentum that propels our industry forward and creates a lasting impact.
Vote for AEM’s internship program today and be a part of shaping the future of our industry! Participants can cast their vote daily through July 30, 2025.
