Article
An Intern’s Guide to the Insight
Summer 360 Internship Program
Finding a great internship is tough. Whether you’re applying or waiting to start your internship, you likely have a lot of questions swirling in your head. Allow me to be your guide.
By Laila Hachem / 8 Jul 2023 / Topics: Culture & careers
I can tell you how hard internship hunting is — from beefing up your resume to the possibility of rejection. I can recall countless nights watching shows or talking to friends on the phone while sending my resume to employers. The rejections and waiting games were ongoing. As interviews filled my calendar, none of them seemed to hit the mark. I already knew during the school year I wanted to pursue a summer internship, so I updated my wardrobe and crafted a killer cover letter and resume. I persisted, although I felt a bit dismayed. I wasn’t feeling that natural pull toward any of the companies.
What was the process like to apply for a summer internship?
I heard about Insight from a job posting forum and applied for the Insight Summer 360 Internship program, unsure I would hear back from them. I applied for the Marketing Content Intern role at Insight, and about two weeks later received an interview invitation from HR. I had already received an internship offer from another company, but I was more excited about the possibility of working at Insight.
The first interview was with an Insight recruiter and focused on the company and my background. I received an email the same day letting me know I had made it to the second round of interviews.
By the second interview, I felt more confident, which helped me click with my potential manager. During this interview, we talked about the role’s activities, why the position was of interest to me and whether I was a good fit.
A day later I heard the ping of my email. I remember the elated feeling as I read that I got the internship.
What was onboarding like?
Over the next few weeks leading up to my start date, I filled out various forms and researched more about Insight. From my couch, I scoured the company website. I learned about Insight’s values, history, products and corporate citizenship. I pondered how these various subjects could factor into the day-to-day of the internship.
Interns were asked to submit a short biographical profile. Two weeks before the internship started, we received a schedule with all the events and activities of the 9-week internship program. We also received bios of the other interns to get to know a bit about each other.
The night before my first day on the job, I tossed and turned with nervous excitement. As soon as I heard my alarm, I sprung out of bed to start the day.
The first day was online, and we learned about the company. People from various departments joined the call to explain anything we needed to know before diving into our positions.
Over the course of the program, you will begin to see familiar faces. Most of the first week includes different training courses. In the second week, you settle into your role and begin your routine activities.
Why choose an internship at Insight?
Corporate citizenship
Insight champions important values through corporate citizenship. My first month here, Insight donated 78 laptops to the Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade and Miami-area elementary schools. Insight’s Noble Cause program has raised $300,000 annually. The Noble Cause program has supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House and Boys & Girls Clubs. Insight has raised $100,000 annually for United Way. United Way provides community outreach services such as education, health services and monetary support. The In It Together Foundation supports Insight team members in times of need. Team members are also entitled to two paid days off, called “Heart” days, to volunteer for their own causes.Insight Way, the new corporate headquarters
The campus is a step into paradise. The architecture is modern with large windows and a grand staircase. The color palette consists of white, black, various wood tones and pops of Insight’s signature fuchsia. You are immersed in nature with lush plants across space. Team members have cubicles with sit/stand desks but have countless choices of workspaces. The space is equipped with an Insight branded H3 coffee shop, with the “H3” representing Insight’s values of hunger, heart and harmony. There is also a full-service cafeteria, Café Fuchsia. Additionally, the facilities include a health clinic, fitness center, library and mother’s rooms. The building reflects Insight’s commitment to sustainability with solar panels in the parking lot that power 80% of Insight’s energy needs during peak hours and provide valuable shade for cars.Work from anywhere flexibility
Summer internships are flexible at Insight, with remote and hybrid options. Remote work has proven workers can flourish in their careers from the comfort of their homes. There are two cohorts this summer, one remote and one hybrid. The online option is fully remote, while the hybrid cohort comes into the office a few days a week and attend special events in person. Hybrid interns can go to the office more frequently if they choose. The remote choice is great for those across the country or that live far from the office. Interns can select the setting based on how much interaction is enjoyable for them. Whether you choose hybrid for more social interaction or remote for a more focused work experience, there is something for everyone.Fortune 500 company and industry leader
Insight is an expert in the technology industry with more than 30 years providing technology solutions and services to a myriad of clients. By viewing the wide range of solutions Insight provides, interns can explore many possible career paths. Insight also has strong partnerships with leading technology brands, such as Apple, Cisco, Dell Technologies, Microsoft and many more. Insight is known for innovation, constantly harnessing new technology for better solutions for our clients. I know the advance of new technology excites me. It makes me wonder how we can best utilize the next generation of technology. It is amazing working at a company that is on the cutting edge.Values
Insight cultivates an environment of growth and encouragement through values of hunger, heart and harmony. I was quite nervous to go to the office for the first time. My worries were put to rest immediately because everyone was so welcoming. You can expect an environment filled with smiles and greetings from coworkers. Even while working remotely, the same positivity radiates. You can truly see how Insight’s values are showcased during your interactions. Most team members have made it abundantly clear they are a resource any of the interns can call on — whether it’s advice on a project or simple comradery.Events
During the first few weeks of my summer internship, I’ve already learned a lot through training, workshops and presentations hosted by the internship program. From emotional intelligence to wealth management, we have learned about quite a few topics. The topics taught in the program provide well-rounded information, both socially and professionally. Throughout the training, you can interact with different departments and get a clearer understanding of what you want out of your career. Insight offers free events and pop-ups in combination with partners offering food trucks, ice cream, goodies and other treats. These fun events help create a balanced atmosphere of work and play.
What advice would you give to future interns?
My advice to future interns is don’t be shy in seeking the mentorship of team members. This internship gives you a unique opportunity to access the knowledge of individuals with industry experience. The guidance I’ve received has helped me see a clearer direction of what I wish to achieve in my career. The most challenging aspect of the internship has been talking to so many people that enjoy what they do. As I talk to people across many departments and teams, I envision myself in similar roles — only to be swept into the next person’s description. Talking with so many enthusiastic people stirs up feelings of excitement as I imagine what’s next for me.
You should now have a better understanding of what to expect at Insight’s internship program. Hopefully the reasons above can help determine if Insight is the program for you. Don’t hesitate to apply and good luck.
Laila Hachem
Summer Marketing Content Intern 2023, Insight
Why Insight?
- Values reflected in company commitments to community, volunteerism and sustainability
- Flexibility to work in person or remotely
- Opportunities for learning and mentorship, as well as team-building events
- Experience the inner workings of a global technology company
