Employee Perspective: An Intern’s Take on the Workplace Post-Pandemic
08.16.23
Autumn Jermakowicz
Marketing Intern, InVision Communications
Employee Perspective: An Intern’s Take on the Workplace Post-Pandemic
After spending my first two years of college learning virtually, finally being able to attend college on campus this past year made a huge difference. The opportunity to learn and make connections in-person helped me to engage and communicate with my professors and peers seamlessly after struggling to do so throughout the pandemic. With this experience, facing the “new reality” of a now largely online workforce was intimidating. I was worried that my summer internship would be another situation where I would feel disconnected from others and the organization. As a marketing intern with InVision Communications this summer, I realize the impact that company culture makes when joining a new workplace - regardless of being in-person or online.
Starting a hybrid internship with InVision, I didn’t know what to expect with a combined online and in-person position. I was glad for the opportunity to have a flexible schedule, but I still worried about struggling to communicate and connect with others in the agency. Luckily, the attention that InVision put into making the experience positive, engaging, and informational quickly put my concerns at ease.
From the beginning, I was in constant communication with head staff from all of InVision’s different offices and departments. By taking the time to meet with me one-on-one, I was able to hear their stories, perspectives, and advice – each of them having something impactful to share. Additionally, everyone that I worked with on projects made sure to regularly check-in, give feedback, and communicate with me about the work. I realized that despite these meetings not being face-to-face, simply taking the time to have conversations still fostered relationships. Even though we were scattered across different states, we were not disconnected.
In addition to my positive experience working online, my time in-person at the Chicago office was just as valuable. The main highlight was the opportunity to help with InVision’s annual client Exchange event, giving me insight into event production and company goals. Through this, I was able to meet IVC staff and clients that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to connect with. Though I had read case studies and watched videos on the agency’s event work, being able to get first-hand experience was much more informative and exciting.As the newest members of the workforce begin to emerge, it’s important for employers to recognize the unique effect that the pandemic had on students. Completing school online was isolating and difficult for many of us, and we don’t want our new jobs to be like that experience. Through my hybrid internship, I’ve experienced both the benefits of working online and in-person, but I think what made the overall opportunity so positive was the commitment to including me in the InVision culture. When working online, this makes a big difference and communicates that the company stays true to their cultural mission. Prioritizing an inclusive and communicative culture within the new reality of the workforce creates an environment that not only supports the newest members but also drives the company’s growth and success.
Autumn Jermakowicz
Marketing Intern, InVision Communications