Summer 2020 brought change in ways nobody imagined. As many companies canceled internships, Reynolds was able to welcome interns both in the office and virtually.

Kayla V., a voice of the customer intern, is a rising sophomore at University of Central Florida. She has been working in the office every day. “My favorite part about working in the office has been how it’s a semblance of normality. I have gotten to meet new people and have gotten a taste of what to expect in a professional business setting,” Kayla said.

Mackenzie E., a sales training intern, is a rising senior at The Ohio State University. She has been working remote from her family home in Dayton, OH. She has enjoyed being on her own schedule. “My boss reaches out often which keeps me motivated. I don’t want to let the people around me down,” Mackenzie said.

Alec D., a Reynolds Document Services marketing intern, is a rising junior at University of Cincinnati. He, like Mackenzie, never saw himself working a fully remote internship until this summer. He has been enjoying his time getting to know his team when they are together through virtual video meetings every day.

Though this is not the typical year for interns, they have been learning all they can. Kayla has enjoyed meeting other interns in different departments and learning from them. She has taken an interest in sales and was able to meet with associates in the sales department. Mackenzie was able to shadow associates who work on other teams in the marketing department. Mackenzie mentioned she has been learning so much she feels like she is back in school. She knows all the fundamental tools that Reynolds instills in interns will benefit her for years.

Even though the interns cannot be together in person, they are getting the Reynolds intern experience. Alec has enjoyed the social Zoom calls and other online programs. He believes it is a great way for interns to get to know each other with the current circumstances.

Here is some advice for future interns whether working in the office or remotely:

• Be friendly with those around you.
• Take walks to get familiar with the office building.
• Stick to a schedule.
• Let your supervisor know what you want to get out of the internship because they can help you achieve those goals.
• Push through any awkwardness that might come with the beginning of any job, especially one where you are only seeing your teammates through a screen. “Once you get through that initial bump it will be worth it,” Alec said.

All three interns have found positives in this “new normal” internship situation. Mackenzie mentioned her appreciation of Reynolds for keeping interns this summer when many other companies were forced to cancel their programs.

Even though this summer looked different, Reynolds enjoyed welcoming interns in many departments. Reynolds is committed to employee safety and satisfaction, and this summer showed it. It was an experience the interns will not forget.