How to Create Meaningful Internship Experiences with Cheryl Rodness of Quest Global

Creating meaningful internship experiences isn't just good for students—it's vital for building your company's talent pipeline. But why do so many internship programs fall short, and how can we design systems that truly work?

Cheryl Rodness, Head of Global Brand at Quest Global, brings decades of experience developing internship programs at scale for companies like IBM, Juniper, and Calix. In our conversation, she reveals that the biggest failure point happens before interns even arrive: "Companies decide they want an intern but don't actually think about what the student will do." This fundamental oversight sets both parties up for disappointment.

What distinguishes exceptional internship programs? Cheryl outlines a comprehensive framework that includes clearly defined projects, dedicated mentorship, executive engagement, and structured evaluation. Rather than seeking high GPAs, successful managers look for "hunger and aspiration"—students eager to learn, contribute ideas, and take initiative. These qualities predict future success far better than academic credentials alone.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore how AI is reshaping internship work. While these tools enable interns to tackle more complex projects, Cheryl cautions against over-reliance: "AI is a first draft capability. If you don't have somebody looking at it for readability, context, and impact, you're dead in the water." Teaching interns to critically evaluate AI outputs prepares them for the hybrid human-AI workflows they'll encounter throughout their careers.

For companies looking to build or improve their internship programs, timing matters more than you might think. Start recruitment by December to attract top candidates, create detailed playbooks to guide both interns and managers, and always provide fair compensation. The investment pays dividends when exceptional interns transition into valuable full-time employees who already understand your company culture and operations.

Ready to transform how your organization approaches internships? Listen now to discover the systems and strategies that benefit both students and companies in creating truly meaningful professional development experiences.