First Nation Group’s 2023 Summer Internship Program
First Nation Group’s 2023 Summer Internship Program has officially come to a close, marking the end of a season filled with growth, learning, and collaboration for our group of talented interns.
The 12-week summer internship program builds future leaders and innovators while making a difference in the lives of Veterans and active-duty military personnel. Our interns are provided an extensive overview of the company through being introduced to small business acumen, government distribution, various roles and responsibilities within a workplace environment, and interdepartmental communication workflow.
“My experience during the First Nation Group Summer Internship Program was overwhelmingly positive. As an intern, I loved being able to dive into projects that made a real impact on the company. After being so impressed with the supportive and purpose-driven work environment, I knew that I could see a bright future for myself with First Nation Group long-term. I am so excited to have accepted a full-time position with the company and to continue growing in my field.”
Claire Ponder
Human Resources Coordinator
This summer, we excitedly welcomed three first-year interns and one second-year intern – the group was split between our Business Development, Warehouse Distribution, Contracts, and Human Resources departments. First Nation Group is proud of the comprehensive internship program we offer to young professionals, consisting of the following levels:
First-Year Summer Internship
Our first-year summer internship is an immersive experience where interns engage with each department, providing them the opportunity to gain insight into how and why, as a company, we do what we do. Simultaneously, each intern is designated and reports to a specific department in their area of interest. In this department, a mentor is paired with each intern to help advise and guide them throughout their internship. First-year interns are given a company-wide learning experience, allowing them to develop their skills as a professional while exploring different areas of business.
Second-Year Summer Internship
Our second-year summer internship provides returning interns a deeper integration into their area of interest. Also paired with a mentor from their specific department, second-year interns are assigned and execute projects as part of their team. On top of developing skills within their designated department, interns have the opportunity to act as a mentor to all first-year interns as well, expanding their experience as a leader.
Our second-year interns hit the ground running! Not only do these interns expand their knowledge of small business acumen, they continue to strengthen skills needed to help them succeed in their career
Continuing First Nation Group’s Mission
To help integrate First Nation Group’s focus on making a positive impact on the lives of the Veterans and active-duty military we serve and the underserved in communities where we live and work., our interns are also given the opportunity to volunteer in their local communities.
Our interns working out of the Niceville, FL, office had the opportunity to volunteer (and give love to a few furry friends) with Westonwood Ranch. This organization offers a unique learning curriculum to improve life skills and pre-vocational skills to young adults with developmental differences.
Later in the summer, the team visited the United States Organizations (USO) Center at Eglin Air Force Base to assemble backpacks with essential school supplies for children of active-duty military members in the local community, just in time for back-to-school season!
A little farther south, our interns working in the Fort Myers, FL, office were introduced to all the ways the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) gives back to Veterans during their trip to the Department of Veterans Affairs Lee County Healthcare Center.
Last but not least, our interns joined forces to support the largest hunger-relief nonprofit in Southwest Florida. The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida distributes donated food and other grocery products through their food distribution programs to over a quarter of a million people each month. In July, our summer interns packed 1,020 bags of produce totaling over 3,000 pounds of food during their volunteer outing!
Westonwood Ranch
United Service Organizations (USO)
VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
“The Summer Internship Program was an outstanding experience – I was given the opportunity to not only immerse myself in the company culture, but to explore what it truly means to work in a contracts department, make memorable connections, and gain forever buildable knowledge. I have gained so much from this internship that I can take with me throughout my future career. I came into the program expecting a typical internship and finished with the ability to say that First Nation Group surpassed every expectation I had. I am more than honored to say that I have had the opportunity to be involved in such a well-rounded program and look forward to staying on part time with the company during through the upcoming school year!”
– Annabelle Whitman, Contracts Intern
We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to learn, grow, and give alongside each of our interns this summer. It has been an amazing experience for the entire First Nation Group team – time really does fly when you’re having fun!
First Nation Group is proud to continue our summer internship program into 2024. Keep an eye out for all details and learn how to apply at firstnationgroup.com/careers!
