5 Career Lessons from ‘The Intern’ ??
Ben Whittaker is a spirited 70-year-old widower played by the legendary Robert De Niro. Tired of retirement and seeking a new purpose, Ben stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: an internship for senior citizens at a thriving e-commerce fashion startup, About the Fit.
Ben applies for this unconventional role through a video resume, expressing his longing for productivity despite leading a comfortable life. He lands the job.?
His transition from retirement to becoming a senior intern assigned to help Jules Ostin (played by Anne Hathaway), the founder of the e-commerce website, is fascinating. Jules, who is juggling motherhood, marriage, adulthood, and entrepreneurship, initially doesn’t think hiring a senior intern is a good idea. Until she is proven wrong.
The movie offers valuable career insights for professionals. Here are five notable lessons it imparts:
1. Learning from Anyone
The movie echoes the fundamental belief that everyone, irrespective of their background or position, holds valuable insights to offer.
It emphasizes that learning isn’t a one-way street. Characters continuously exchange knowledge and learn from each other.?
Ben becomes a student of fashion, learning from Jules, Cameron, and his colleagues while simultaneously serving as a mentor to other interns. Jules, too, learns about letting go and leaning in on Ben's wisdom.
Watching a 70-year-old discover the ins and outs of a fashion company was both amusing and heartwarming. Ben's quick integration was thanks to his growth mindset. He isn’t afraid to ask for help.?
From learning Facebook and mastering the ‘man handshake’, Ben's journey illustrates that age isn't a barrier to trying new things.
2. No Work is Small
‘The Intern’ highlights the importance of understanding what you don’t know and embracing learning from scratch without shame.?
Jules, the CEO of About the Fit, finds herself frustrated by a cluttered office table. It’s a consistent eyesore disrupting the company's sleek aesthetic. Though everyone notices the mess, it’s Ben who takes the initiative to arrive early one day and tidy up.
Through his dedication to his work, he earns the trust and admiration of everyone. His influence improves workplace dynamics.
3. Chasing Dreams Against All Oddsnbsp;
Jules, a dedicated and hardworking entrepreneur, achieved her company’s five-year goals within just 18 months.?
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However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when she’s faced with the possibility of being replaced as CEO. Considering her daughter and her marriage, she thought about leaving her position. However, Ben gives her the strength to hold on to her dream. His support leads Jules to realize the immense value she has created and the significance of persevering.
In the end, Jules decides to remain as CEO, believing in her ability to lead the entire business by herself.
Instead of giving up on your dreams, it’s crucial to hold onto the magic and trust in your abilities.?
4. Embracing Intergenerational Wisdom
Research shows that teams with diverse gender, age, and geographical backgrounds make better decisions up to 87% of the time. Ben’s inclusion in the youthful crew at About The Fit demonstrates why this diversity matters.
The movie highlights how different generations can learn from each other’s strengths. The younger crowd brings tech prowess, while the older generation carries a disciplined approach. Blending old-school with modern methods sparks new ideas.
In a team dominated by tech-savvy but less socially adept members, Ben stands out. He encourages them to take breaks from screens and engage. He listens without judgment, offering a calming presence to Jules, who’s not always easy to deal with. He sees value in her quirks, making her feel understood and valued.
On the other hand, Ben also learns how to use a computer with the help of his younger colleagues and his grandson who explains to him what a USB is. He isn’t stuck in his old ways and values the younger generation's energy and creativity driving today’s tech world.
5. Taking Unconventional Career Paths
Ben's decision to become a senior intern at an e-commerce fashion startup at the age of 70 challenges the stereotype of retirement and exemplifies the idea that one's career journey doesn't have to conform to traditional timelines or expectations.
In the film, when Ben embarks on this unconventional path, he brings a wealth of life experience and wisdom, showcasing the importance of transferable skills.??
His fresh perspective and unconventional background contribute a unique set of skills and insights to the company.
His approach encourages you to consider paths that might seem unconventional. It stresses the importance of embracing new challenges regardless of age, showing that every career choice holds the potential for growth, learning, and fulfillment.
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How many of these lessons do you find interesting? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Analista TI | Front-End Web | JavaScript | CSS | HTML | Committed to Continuous Learning | Seeking Opportunities to Grow & Contribute.
10 个月Excellent approach. Here we can see how initiative and dedication are key factors in our employability path, as well as embracing learning from scratch without shame. Everyone, irrespective of their background or position, has valuable insights to offer. We have to hold on to a Growth-mindset. Dedication and hard work are significant elements. Always keep in mind the immense value of your abilities. Be appreciative of the blend of old-school and modern methods, because oftentimes this leads to better decisions. Interpersonal relationships focused on having a calming presence, listening without judgment, and making others feel understood and valued generate a'safe and sound' environment to work in, enhancing productivity. As a final reflection, it is important to be aware that our fresh perspective and personal background can contribute to a unique set of skills and insights, holding potential for growth, learning, and fulfillment at any workplace. ?? ? ?