From Classrooms to Offices and Beyond: Essential Internship Lessons

I had the pleasure of recently joining my S&P Global colleagues to virtually meet and chat with our latest group of #interns from across our different offices. It brought back fond memories of when I was an intern myself and at the early stages of my career.

It was inspiring to hear from the future leaders of our industry and society at large – they are diverse, talented, intellectually curious and driven. They are also ready and eager to assume their places in work environments that are digitally savvier, and more technology oriented than when I entered the workforce over three decades ago.

Indeed, it’s a significant leap from when I first started – learning the intricacies of Lotus 123 (yes, remember that?) and spreadsheets. Fast forward to the present, as we are now discovering the possibilities of machine learning, large language models, and generative AI.

The interns of today and tomorrow will certainly be facing varying experiences, challenges, and opportunities in this ever-expanding digital world we live in. However, some things will remain constant, including the valuable insights learned and networks cultivated from internship opportunities such as these.

During this virtual chat, I recalled the lessons I first learned when I was an intern and those that have stuck with me throughout my own #career journey. Below are some of my personal reflections from this leadership session:

1.   Be a sponge: As someone who grew up in a smaller American town, my #internship experience opened my mind to a much larger world. And what better way to learn about the world but through the eyes of fellow interns and work colleagues whose backgrounds and experiences differed from mine. Still, we found similarities and common ground rooted in mutual respect. Indeed, internships not only offer exposures to navigate professional environments and acquire technical skills, but they also provide opportunities to strengthen interpersonal and communications skills.

As an intern, you will be exposed to novel ways of working, thinking and problem-solving beyond the classroom’s comfortable confines. Don’t be shy about asking questions, seeking help and guidance, and taking advantage of existing learning resources and tools. This is an opportunity to observe, digest and learn not only from your direct managers but also from your peers. In fact, some of my fellow interns back in the day have become lifelong friends, champions, and allies throughout my career. You are not alone in this learning process.

2.   Create a game plan: Take stock of your overall internship experience. Take note of what you enjoyed doing and found most rewarding. What were the high points? How did you learn from setbacks and mistakes? How can you take these insights back to your classrooms and day-to-day lives? For instance, your internship experience may inspire you to learn more about a specific industry or field of study and could help guide you on additional courses to take to further sharpen your skills or drive you to become a subject matter expert in that field.

This was not always readily apparent to me back then but in hindsight, internships help in the process of self-discovery – your purpose – what matters most to you.

3.   Be open to possibilities: Career paths are often not linear. Mine certainly was not. Memories of my first day as a junior bank analyst remain vivid. I can still remember that first (nervous) elevator ride up at an intimidating Manhattan high rise. These first steps though led me to distinct roles from investment banking to sales and trading to asset management and now as CEO of a leading and pioneering global index provider. But there were many incremental, humble steps, pivotal moments, hits and misses, and even growing pains in my life and career that have helped shaped me and led me to where I am today.

What I have learned from all of this is that it is OK to change your mind, to shift gears or reassess where you are along the way. We all come from different circumstances, have different means and resources readily available to us. Often the unknown can be extremely daunting and therefore it is important to remember that this is a journey and not a race – and this journey is as personal and unique as you. Always remember, you have much to offer, and you are only just beginning.

It was such a treat and privilege for me to meet with this impressive group of individuals. I wish them all the best and can’t wait for them to share their own stories and forge their own paths. S&P Global S&P Dow Jones Indices