Anika Dilawri, outgoing Innovation Intern at The Idea Suite, shares her thoughts on key factors that her generation values in the workforce through her experience as a summer intern.
As I finish up my internship at the Idea Suite this summer, it has allowed me to reflect on my experience as a ‘new to the workforce’ Gen Z. As a student, I am also surrounded by my peers who are completing their own summer internships and relaying their experiences—the highlights, the challenges, and the lessons we’ve learnt.
Now more than ever, especially because of the pandemic, Gen Z interns really want to get the most out of their summer experiences. Because of this, we are looking for exciting, meaningful internship programs.
Here are four valuable factors for Gen Z when participating in an internship, and thus four ways that Gen Z is transforming future internships—along with my own reflections on how several of these factors are being embraced at The Idea Suite!
1. Gen Z seeks continuous learning and ongoing feedback
Every generation wants feedback and wants to learn, but with the evolution of digital technologies and the pace of industry change these days, Gen Z is especially keen on continuous learning. Gen Z values opportunities for professional and skill development during their internships.
My intern experience at The Idea Suite has been a summer of learning – whether about innovation or myself as an employee. The work done at the Idea Suite is unlike any company I had ever heard of before, which means more than anything, I had to be open to learning and making mistakes. Working on a range of different projects not only expanded my knowledge about multiple industries but also taught me invaluable soft skills as I balanced these ongoing tasks.
From 1:1 feedback sessions with Shelli and Fiona to a mid-term survey of feedback I received from the whole team, professional development and self-improvement are top priorities here. This allowed me to continually reflect on my learning and progress in my role through helpful feedback from the team.
2. Gen Z is a generation committed to inclusion—especially in the workplace!
83% of Gen-Z respondents say they consider an employer's commitment to diversity and inclusion when deciding where to work. But diversity and inclusion aren’t solely about race, religion, or physical ability—it’s also more simply about accepting and valuing different perspectives.
Even as one of the youngest and the least experienced in innovation at the Idea Suite, I never felt like my opinion was unwelcome because of my background. The Idea Suite’s team itself comes from an array of backgrounds and experiences, allowing them to be even more innovative. Watching two powerful women, Shelli and Fiona, lead the team is also incredibly inspiring as a young woman myself.
3. Gen Z is looking for roles that are around purpose, meaning, and having an impact!
Gen Z is a purpose-driven generation eager to know their role and how their individual contributions can support their team’s success. Even the way this generation consumes is driven by the potential impact on themselves and others.
During my time as an intern, I contributed in many ways that impacted the team's work—whether it be helping draft final reports, presenting to clients, or researching new products. One of my personal favourites being engaging with clients and learning about the impact of the Idea Suite’s work on their businesses and lives.
But even the not-so-glamorous work still has immense value to the team! A big part of this is finding those small projects that can actually have an unexpected impact on your team and their productivity—whether it be finding a better way to organize documents or configuring an improved layout for the team’s website. Fortunately, this continuous improvement and impact was always encouraged and welcomed at the Idea Suite from my first day.
4. Even in a remote setting, Gen Z values community, culture, and collaboration.
Scratch that—especially in a remote setting, Gen Z interns value community culture, and collaboration. Building strong interpersonal relationships with coworkers and feeling a part of a team are more important than ever—in whatever work setting we are in.
Of course, our team outings to Blue Jays games and golfing days were tons of fun and great team bonding experiences—but, all that aside, the team at The Idea Suite is passionate, creative, and extremely supportive. Even in a hybrid setting, regular 1:1 calls and weekly team meetings made me feel a part of this very special team.
These are just a few of the countless ways that Gen Z is leveraging their internship experiences as they enter the workforce. My time at The Idea Suite, unsurprisingly, aligned with all of these factors – a testament to this team's creativity, talent, and supportiveness. As my generation begins to enter the workforce through internships and entry-level jobs, I am looking forward to seeing the impact we will make on our industries as the workforce evolves with us!
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