Mentorship is a currency that never devalues. In the business world, we often measure success by profit margins, client acquisition, and quarterly growth. While these metrics are undeniably important, there is another form of growth that is equally vital but often overlooked: the growth of people. Specifically, the growth of young, ambitious professionals who are just stepping onto the career ladder.
At McCord Web Services, we believe deeply in the concept of “paying it forward.” We didn’t get where we are today in a vacuum. Someone took a chance on us, answered our questions when we were green, and guided us through the early turbulence of professional life. Now, it is our turn to do the same.
We recently wrapped up an extensive hiring process for our internship program, and the experience has only reinforced our belief in the power of investing in interns. It is not just about getting extra hands on deck; it is about stewardship, fresh perspectives, and building the future of our industry one student at a time.
The Search for Future Leaders
Finding the right talent is never a simple task, especially when looking for interns. You aren’t looking for a ten-page resume filled with accolades; you are looking for potential. You are looking for hunger, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
To find our newest team member, we turned to Handshake, a platform dedicated to connecting college students with employers. The response was overwhelming in the best possible way. We were connected with over 50 excellent candidates who expressed a genuine interest in business and marketing.
These weren’t just students looking to fulfill a credit requirement. They were young professionals eager to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. The quality of the applicants made our job incredibly difficult. Reviewing 50 strong applications requires a critical eye, but it also sparks a sense of optimism. If this is the caliber of talent entering the workforce, the future of business looks bright.
After a rigorous review process, we whittled that impressive list of 50 down to six finalists for interviews. Sitting across from these candidates (virtually or otherwise) reminded us why we do this. Their energy was contagious. They asked insightful questions about our processes, our culture, and the digital landscape. It wasn’t just us interviewing them; they were interviewing the industry, trying to find their place within it.
Why Mentorship Matters More Than Ever
In an era of remote work and automated processes, the human element of mentorship is more critical than ever. For many students, an internship is their first exposure to professional norms. It is where they learn that deadlines are real, that communication styles matter, and that problem-solving is often more about resilience than raw intelligence.
When we invest in interns, we are providing a safe harbor for them to make mistakes. And make no mistake—they will mess up. We all do. But in an internship, a mistake is a teaching moment, not a career-ending crisis.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Universities do an excellent job of teaching theory. Students know the “what” and the “why” of marketing and business. However, the “how” is often missing. How do you handle a client who changes their mind at the last minute? How do you navigate the backend of a complex content management system? How do you pivot a strategy when the data tells you your initial hypothesis was wrong?
This is where we step in. By bringing interns into the fold at McCord Web Services, we bridge that gap. We allow them to get their hands dirty with real projects. We let them sit in on strategy sessions. We explain the reasoning behind our decisions. This practical application cements their academic knowledge and transforms it into professional skill.
The Mutual Benefit of Hiring Interns
It is a common misconception that internships are a one-way street where the company gives and the intern takes. In reality, the relationship is symbiotic. While we provide guidance and structure, interns provide something equally valuable: a fresh set of eyes.
Having been in the industry for years, we can sometimes develop tunnel vision. We have our ways of doing things, our preferred tools, and our established routines. Interns challenge those norms. They come in with questions that force us to re-evaluate our processes. They ask, “Why do we do it this way?” and sometimes, the honest answer is, “Because we always have.” That is a dangerous answer in business.
The interns we interviewed brought up new trends in social media, fresh tools for collaboration, and perspectives on consumer behavior that were distinctly different from our own. They keep us on our toes. They ensure that McCord Web Services remains agile and relevant.
The Ripple Effect of Career Impact
The impact of a good internship lasts far longer than a semester. For the intern, it can define the trajectory of their entire career. A positive experience builds confidence. It demystifies the corporate world and makes their career goals seem attainable.
We have seen former interns go on to secure incredible roles at major companies, start their own ventures, or even return to us as full-time employees. Knowing that we played a part in their foundational years is a source of immense pride.
But the ripple effect goes further. When we treat interns with respect, pay them fairly, and invest in their development, we set a standard. We teach them what a healthy workplace culture looks like. When they eventually become managers and leaders themselves, they are more likely to replicate that supportive environment. We aren’t just training marketers; we are training future mentors.
Aligning with McCord Web Services Values
At McCord Web Services, we value integrity, continuous learning, and community. Our internship program is a direct reflection of these core values.
Integrity: We believe in fair exchange. We don’t view interns as “cheap labor” to fetch coffee or do the filing no one else wants to do. We view them as junior team members who deserve meaningful work and genuine feedback.
Continuous Learning: Just as we expect our interns to learn from us, we commit to learning from them. The digital landscape changes daily. Staying stagnant is not an option. Engaging with the next generation keeps us connected to emerging trends and technologies.
Community: Our business community is only as strong as the people within it. By preparing students for the workforce, we are strengthening the professional ecosystem. We are ensuring that the next wave of business leaders is equipped with the ethics and skills necessary to thrive.
Looking Forward
As we onboard our selected candidate from that initial group of 50, we are excited about the months ahead. We know there will be challenges. Training takes time. Mentoring requires patience. There will be days when it would be faster to just “do it ourselves.”
But we resist that urge because the long-term value outweighs the short-term convenience. We are committed to the process. We are committed to sitting down and explaining the nuance of a client email or the strategy behind a specific SEO keyword choice.
To other business owners considering an internship program, our advice is simple: Do it. But do it with intention. Don’t just open a door; build a pathway. Use platforms like Handshake to find qualified candidates who are eager to work. Treat the interview process with the same seriousness you would for a senior hire.
When you invest in an intern, you are making a deposit into the future. You are helping a young person navigate the most uncertain time of their life. You are giving them the tools to build a livelihood. And in return, you get to watch them fly. There is no greater ROI than that.
We are thrilled to welcome our new intern to the McCord Web Services family. We are ready to teach, ready to learn, and ready to pay it forward.
