Kirby Risk kicked off its 2023 Summer Internship Program with a two-day orientation in Indianapolis from May 31-June 1. The kickoff mixed learning, relationship building and fun activities while giving the interns a chance to tour Kirby Risk locations in Indianapolis.
This year’s intern class more than doubled last year’s number with 21 interns working throughout Kirby Risk. “We have two separate teams of people who are coming together to help us facilitate the internship program because of the number of people. We went from having 10 interns last summer to having 21,” said Haley Baker, Human Resources Generalist.
First, the Internship Selection team collaborated to manage and recruit all the intern talent. Their tasks were coordinated through Dayforce and Microsoft Teams. Members working on this team are Kinsey McKillip and Haley Baker, Human Resources Generalists, Jennifer Highland, Customer Programs Administrator, and Damaris Whaley, Human Resources Coordinator.
In addition, the Internship Cohort team consists of several Kirby Risk employees who are working together with the interns to help their internships be successful. The cohort members (see next page side bar) are paired with the interns to help guide their development. Some are even working together on specific projects or customer events.
Day one of the kickoff began with a mini-KR Foundations training with interns learning about Kirby Risk History, Business Units, Goals, and Culture. A panel discussion with executive team leaders John Eggleton, President and Chief Operating Officer, Joe Hart, Vice President of Operations, Kyle Krizan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Frank Gardner, Vice President of Automation and Mechanical Business, and moderated by Jennifer Swisher, Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness, followed.
Next, interns had the opportunity to get professional headshots taken. Lunch followed with time available to network with other interns, the cohort and selection team members, and the executive team.
After lunch, the group toured the Indianapolis 1440 and 1348 branches. Then the group participated in a LEGO team building exercise that emphasized effectively communicating. A diversity exercise followed.
Wrapping up the day, the interns were briefed on hotel information and requirements, then exited for their hotel. In the evening, they gathered at Victory Field to cheer on the Indianapolis Indians baseball team as they defeated the Toledo Mud Hens. They even witnessed a Grand Slam! The event gave the interns and the cohort team a chance to connect in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Day two of the intern orientation began with Coffee and Careers at the Kirby Risk Learning Center located at the Kirby Risk Distribution Center. After hearing from the Internship Cohort team, the group headed out for a tour of the Kirby Risk Commodities Center. Then they returned to tour the Distribution Center. Haley said that over the two days, “They got to spend some time with Electrical Supply… getting to see the backend with our Distribution Services team and see how it funnels into our Indianapolis locations.”
The Indianapolis event was a precursor to the lunch and learn events scheduled in Lafayette for the interns throughout the summer. The following week, the group attended a lunch and learn at Kirby Risk Service Center. Future lunch and learns followed at Kirby Risk Precision Machining, Kirby Risk Mechanical Solutions and Service, Kirby Risk Electrical Supply and Corporate in June and July.
Later in the summer, the interns participated in a Community Day to emphasize the Kirby Risk Value and Principle of Community. Interns and cohorts helped Junior Achievement of Greater Lafayette with tasks needed to prepare the fully interactive simulated town that houses JA BizTown and JA Finance Park for the 2023-2024 program.
Haley is excited about the growth of the internship program and the potential for new Kirby Risk talent. This program is bringing in over 20 new employees – either short-term or potentially permanently – who have made positive connections with others from our company. But she adds, it is also developing current employees to create great relationships with these interns, making them our best recruiters. They have guided and invested in them and will stay connected because they care about them.