Fail Fast, Learn Quickly….

Every summer we at IPC welcome a group of university students into our co-op program. The students get an opportunity to work and experience the real world by exploring a number of summer positions in various departments throughout our company. Over the years, these bright and energetic students have contributed to the success of our teams that range from operations, technology, and business planning to marketing, finance, learning and development and project management. And each year I am impressed with the enthusiasm, innovation, fresh thinking and commitment they bring to their work each day, and the indelible imprint they leave on our teams and IPC long after they return to their studies in September. We have had such a positive experience here at IPC and I believe you could benefit from our observations... 

There has been much talk about the millennial generation, as we try to understand the future of business and the world at large form our lens. Numerous articles have alluded to millennials being lazy, entitled and balking at commitment, but we at IPC have witnessed the complete opposite. I want to highlight three observations.

I have noticed that our summer co-op students:

1.      Bring enthusiasm!

Excited to be a part of their teams at IPC, they arrive without baggage from previous work experiences, or preconceived ideas about how things should work “because we’ve always done it this way.” They bring an untainted perspective that always helps IPC grow. Enthusiasm is contagious and always a welcome addition to any office. Does your work need a reminder to take a fresh approach to projects and challenges?

2.      Arrive with technology skills and knowledge.

Having grown up with technology, all things online is second nature to millennials. Their savvy supports a foundation from which new ideas can grow in a way that is natural and unique to this generation. Is your office still waiting to start using social media to market to potential clients?

3.      Are willing to learn.     

These students best exemplify the virtues of “fail fast, learn quickly.” It is impressive to see their ability and willingness to understand expectations, stay on task, ask for guidance, learn processes, get acquainted with the financial business, and problem solve among themselves and across departments. The people they report to at IPC, potentially, have the opportunity to mentor a career path. Does your office need added assistance in summer? Would mentoring a young person in the realities of your business interest you?

As I celebrate the endeavors of these summer co-op students I am reminded of the value and importance of exchanging ideas, risking failure to grow and the wonderful team approach they model here at IPC– characteristics any business would benefit from.

I close with one question: “Why wouldn’t you hire a summer co-op student?