Beyond Signs: A High School Intern Journey
May 8, 2024 by Mallory Lynn
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In a world where internships often conjure images of corporate offices and coffee runs, there lies a hidden gem of opportunity in the realm of manufacturing, specifically in signs. Here, amidst the hum of machinery and the scent of raw materials, high school students are discovering a whole new world of hands-on experience and invaluable lessons.
Meet our most recent intern, Gavin a junior in the High School Internship program.
27J School District hosted a speed dating style Internship interview process. Each student filled out a standardized “resume” and each participating business had a job description for their intern position. The potential interns from three separate 27J High Schools researched the companies prior to the interviews and selected 4-6 companies to approach as candidates.
Gavin was enthusiastically first in line to interview with us. He had done his research and was genuinely excited to learn more about the sign industry. “He was very well-spoken and forthcoming. He was easily my top choice.” said the interviewing Sales Manager. Liz Gutierrez.
A Leap into the Unknown
Stepping through the doors of the manufacturing company on any intern’s first day, they will be greeted by a symphony of sounds: the rhythmic clang of metal against metal, the low whirr of air compressors, and the occasional hiss of pressure.
It can be overwhelming at first, but amidst the organized chaos, is a thirst for knowledge. Every successful sign professional has an endless need for knowledge and Gavin fit right into that.
His mentors wasted no time in acquainting him with the intricacies of the sign manufacturing process, from the initial design phase to the final quality checks. The precision and skill required at every step is eye-opening to any employee, especially a young intern.
Learning by Doing
Gavin was eager to absorb as much as he could. From attending our Monday morning job status meeting, to learning how to apply vinyl and operate the flatbed, he was easy to train and retained the information he learned from week to week.
One of Gavin’s favorite aspects of the internship was the opportunity to get hands on. From assembling components on the production line to troubleshooting minor equipment issues, he was entrusted with tasks that made him feel like a valued member of the team.
Beyond the Shop Floor
Beyond the technical skills gained on the shop floor, we hope the internship also provided him with invaluable lessons in teamwork, communication, and time management.
We strive to teach the value of adaptability and flexibility. In a manufacturing setting where deadlines are tight and priorities can shift in an instant, being able to think on your feet and embrace change is essential. These soft skills are just as crucial to success as technical expertise.
A Journey of Personal Growth
As Gavin's internship ended, we could not help but reflect on how much he had grown, both personally and professionally, in such a brief time. What began as a leap into the unknown had blossomed into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
When asked what he learned from this experience, Gavin responded “Critical thinking skills and how to solve problems”.
In the end, it's not just about the products we manufacture, but the people whose lives we touch and the lessons we learn along the way. And for that, we are not only grateful for the opportunity to mentor Gavin, but also to be able to provide a steppingstone for more motivated, knowledge-thirsty individuals like Gavin to pursue their dreams through personal development.
27J School District hosted a speed dating style Internship interview process. Each student filled out a standardized “resume” and each participating business had a job description for their intern position. The potential interns from three separate 27J High Schools researched the companies prior to the interviews and selected 4-6 companies to approach as candidates.
Gavin was enthusiastically first in line to interview with us. He had done his research and was genuinely excited to learn more about the sign industry. “He was very well-spoken and forthcoming. He was easily my top choice.” said the interviewing Sales Manager. Liz Gutierrez.
A Leap into the Unknown
Stepping through the doors of the manufacturing company on any intern’s first day, they will be greeted by a symphony of sounds: the rhythmic clang of metal against metal, the low whirr of air compressors, and the occasional hiss of pressure.
It can be overwhelming at first, but amidst the organized chaos, is a thirst for knowledge. Every successful sign professional has an endless need for knowledge and Gavin fit right into that.
His mentors wasted no time in acquainting him with the intricacies of the sign manufacturing process, from the initial design phase to the final quality checks. The precision and skill required at every step is eye-opening to any employee, especially a young intern.
Learning by Doing
Gavin was eager to absorb as much as he could. From attending our Monday morning job status meeting, to learning how to apply vinyl and operate the flatbed, he was easy to train and retained the information he learned from week to week.
One of Gavin’s favorite aspects of the internship was the opportunity to get hands on. From assembling components on the production line to troubleshooting minor equipment issues, he was entrusted with tasks that made him feel like a valued member of the team.
Beyond the Shop Floor
Beyond the technical skills gained on the shop floor, we hope the internship also provided him with invaluable lessons in teamwork, communication, and time management.
We strive to teach the value of adaptability and flexibility. In a manufacturing setting where deadlines are tight and priorities can shift in an instant, being able to think on your feet and embrace change is essential. These soft skills are just as crucial to success as technical expertise.
A Journey of Personal Growth
As Gavin's internship ended, we could not help but reflect on how much he had grown, both personally and professionally, in such a brief time. What began as a leap into the unknown had blossomed into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
When asked what he learned from this experience, Gavin responded “Critical thinking skills and how to solve problems”.
In the end, it's not just about the products we manufacture, but the people whose lives we touch and the lessons we learn along the way. And for that, we are not only grateful for the opportunity to mentor Gavin, but also to be able to provide a steppingstone for more motivated, knowledge-thirsty individuals like Gavin to pursue their dreams through personal development.
Signarama Brighton, CO
1289 S 4th Ave Ste 200
BrightonColorado80601
Sales by Appointment Only. Pick-up/Deliveries Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm.
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Signarama Brighton, CO
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