When entering a corporate internship, especially with little to no prior experience, my expectations were wide open. I was excited to embark on a new adventure in an area I knew very little about. Now, as I wrap up my HR/Marketing internship at Chalmers Insurance Group, I’ve learned more than I ever anticipated. I could name a hundred skills I’ve gained during my time here, but in an effort to make this blog post more reader-friendly, instead, here are five key takeaways from my summer internship.
Insurance: The Basics
Before this internship, my understanding of insurance was surface-level — mostly shaped by TV commercials or conversations with my parents. But even though I wasn’t directly working in insurance, being part of an insurance agency meant I was bound to pick things up.
I spent part of my time in the Bridgton office rotating between the personal lines and commercial lines teams. Just overhearing their conversations with clients, and each other, helped me grasp the ins and outs of both areas. I was also given the opportunity to interview members of the management team for an onboarding presentation, which gave me insight into how each department contributes to the bigger picture.
Additionally, part of my role here involved writing blog posts like this one. With guidance from the Marketing team, I got to choose topics, including ones I knew little about, like insurance itself. That meant researching, learning from both the buyer and seller’s perspective, and crafting content that could help others (and myself!) better understand the importance of insurance.
HR 101
Interning with the HR team gave me hands-on experience with the hiring process. I learned how to source candidates, what qualities to look for, and what red flags to avoid. I even sat in on interviews, which helped me see how they’re structured and how much preparation goes into each stage: before, during, and after.
One of my major projects was helping update an onboarding presentation for new hires. This taught me what’s important to share with new employees and how to introduce them to Chalmers’ unique culture.
Marketing 101
Working closely with the Marketing team, I got a crash course in both the strategy and technical side of corporate marketing. I learned how to write and upload blog posts, gaining exposure to the back end of the Chalmers website.
I also created holiday-themed Instagram posts using Canva, experimenting with layouts and styles to sharpen my design skills. I helped update and refine the Chalmers podcast, The Community Cast, which taught me to think critically about content, what audiences will connect with, and how to stay true to the podcast’s mission.
One of the most meaningful lessons from marketing, which was also emphasized in the HR side, was understanding the importance of internal engagement. Building community within a company matters, and I saw firsthand how marketing and developing company culture can strengthen that connection.
Technical Work Skills
While I’ve already mentioned some of the technical tools I used, a few stand out on their own. Working on the onboarding presentation helped me practice coordinating meetings, managing schedules, and navigating email communication in a professional setting. I also learned to shift from an academic to a professional tone in my emails.
I improved my skills in Excel and Outlook, became more efficient at research, and learned how to structure my workdays for productivity. Perhaps most importantly, I got better at asking for feedback and advocating for what I needed in a new environment.
The Importance of Relationships
Chalmers Insurance Group places a huge emphasis on relationships, with clients, coworkers, and the community. As a family-owned business, they’ve created a culture that values connection and kindness in every interaction.
Through this, I learned the importance of being present and engaged no matter what your role. Building strong relationships within a company helps create a welcoming and reliable environment like the one I was so lucky to experience this summer at Chalmers.
This internship has been an incredible experience, and I’ve learned more than I could have ever imagined. Chalmers has allowed me a space to grow and learn in new roles and skills, giving me a better understanding of what I want for my future. As I spend my last year at college and begin my entry into the workforce, I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have been afforded here and all the lessons I’ll carry forward.
