DISH
16 min read
Each year – during the summer in particular – a fresh wave of energy, creativity, and ambition walks through the (often virtual) doors of companies everywhere in the form of interns. I’m no exception, of course. Over ten years ago I arrived in Washington, D.C. for a semester-long government internship to kickstart my career.
Yes, the professional development and networking opportunities were certainly valuable – and maybe even worth the 6 a.m. wake-ups for an unpaid role. But what truly made the experience special was the way the staff treated me. Their gratitude for my contributions was genuine and constant, and it made me feel like a valued member of the team from day one.
In fact, I still have every little memento from that internship (and every internship since) saved in a memory box – from scribbled jokes on post-it notes mentors would leave on my desk to formal Thank You cards received on my last day.
Why Intern Appreciation Matters
As I experienced, internships often serve as a first peek into professional life. They’re a time of learning and massive growth. But they’re also a chance for companies to shape a young person’s career journey in meaningful ways. That’s just one of the reasons why it’s so important to make interns feel welcomed, appreciated, and celebrated.
National Intern Day falls on July 31 this year, making it the perfect reminder to recognize and celebrate the interns who contribute so much behind the scenes.
Whether they’re helping with customer experience, pitching fresh ideas, or just bringing good vibes to morning meetings, interns are more than an extra set of hands: They’re a valuable part of your team for as long as they’re with you.
How to Celebrate and Appreciate Your Summer Interns
At Sugarwish, we believe these future leaders deserve more than just a desk and a to-do list – they deserve real recognition and heartfelt gratitude. It’s not just about saying "thanks" – it's about creating a culture where everyone feels valued.
Showing this type of appreciation doesn’t have to be over the top. A shoutout in a team meeting, a handwritten thank you note, or a small surprise (like an Appreciation Sugarwish... just saying!) can go a long way in making someone feel seen.
So as National Intern Day approaches, consider how you'll show appreciation to your summer interns – whether it's with a thoughtful note or a sweet intern gift they’ll remember. If you need help finding the perfect way to recognize them (and treat them to a little something extra), our Appreciation Sugarwish is a great place to start.
Send Sweet Appreciation with a Sugarwish
- A Sugarwish is the ultimate internship Thank You gift because it makes it easy to show your gratitude and includes your choice of Thank You card!
- You can pick from our designer curated Thank You card collection, or customize your own to include a photo or your company’s logo – the perfect keepsake for the sentimental folks like me (since those treats are unlikely to make it longer than a few days without disappearing!).
- They’ll feel seen, appreciated, celebrated – and yes, seriously spoiled, since each Appreciation Sugarwish lets them choose their favorite treats.
It’s a simple gesture that goes a long way – and a meaningful way to say, “You made an impact here.”
Because as I learned during my own internships, it’s not just the experience that sticks with you. It’s the people who took the time to make you feel welcomed and appreciated. So here’s to the interns everywhere making summer brighter, one spreadsheet, brainstorm, or Slack emoji at a time. Your well-deserved appreciation is on its way!
