Internships often get a bad rap. Some business owners see them as “cheap help,” while students worry they’ll be stuck fetching coffee or doing busywork. But when done well, internships can be one of the most rewarding investments for both sides.
In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly share their own internship stories, reflect on Moxie’s history with interns, and chat with summer intern Macki Deters about what her experience has really been like inside a small but mighty agency.
Whether you’re a student wondering what to expect or a business owner considering bringing on an intern, this conversation is packed with insights.
Internships Have Changed (and That’s a Good Thing)
Kelly’s early experiences looked a lot different than today’s internships. From clipping newspaper articles and sending them back to small towns, to halftime shootouts sponsored by Hardee’s, internships in the ’80s and ’90s were often scrappy and task-driven.
Taylor’s path was more traditional — she landed a summer internship at a construction supply company while juggling study abroad. It wasn’t glamorous, but thanks to a supportive boss, it was formative. The common thread? Both experiences taught resilience, communication, and real-world application beyond the classroom.
Fast forward to today, and internships have evolved. Students now expect more ownership, creativity, and hands-on learning. Businesses, in turn, need to be intentional about how they structure these opportunities.
Why Moxie Stepped Back (and Stepped Back In)
Moxie hasn’t always been pro-internship. In fact, the team openly admits they avoided them for years. Why? Because they had the wrong mindset.
At first, interns were seen as extra hands to lighten the load. But without the right support, guidance, and time, those experiences fell flat. “We weren’t doing it right,” Kelly admits. “We expected them to know more than they did.”
It wasn’t until this past year that Moxie decided to revisit internships — and with a new approach. Enter Macki, a marketing and professional sales major who turned her summer internship into something more than anyone expected.
A Student’s Perspective
When Macki walked into Moxie, she expected “bitch work” (her words, not ours) — taping things to walls, grabbing coffee, or shadowing from the sidelines. Instead, she was thrown into real projects from day one:
- Building monthly content calendars for Moxie and clients
- Writing blogs, emails, and social captions in different brand voices
- Creating reels and brainstorming campaign ideas
- Sitting in on client meetings and local networking events
At first, it felt intimidating. “I didn’t want to do it wrong,” Macki says. But she quickly learned that there isn’t always a right or wrong way — and that Moxie trusted her to learn by doing.
The takeaway? Interns thrive when given ownership, trust, and the freedom to learn from mistakes.
What Business Owners Need to Know
If you’re considering an intern, here are some of the biggest lessons from Moxie’s experience:
- Don’t see interns as free labor — they need time and mentorship.
- Balance learning with contribution — let them help, but prioritize growth.
- Set expectations early — define goals, projects, and support systems.
- Focus on culture fit — skills can be taught, but attitude can’t.
- Give real work — skip the busywork and trust them with projects.
- Be patient — mentorship requires flexibility and feedback.
- Encourage discomfort — that’s where growth happens.
Celebrate loyalty — strong internships often lead to long-term value.
The Value of “Messy” Growth
Internships aren’t always perfect. Schedules don’t align, projects change, and there are moments of “just figure it out.” But leaning into that messiness is part of the process.
For students, it means learning to adapt and problem-solve in real time. For businesses, it means practicing mentorship, even when things aren’t tidy. In the end, both sides benefit.
As Taylor puts it: “Success is mutual — when both sides feel valued, internships can restore your faith in how powerful they can be.”
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation
Interns aren’t free labor — they need guidance.
Balance learning with meaningful contribution.
Set clear goals and expectations early.
Think of internships as giving back, not cheap help.
Culture fit outweighs technical skills.
Skip the “busywork” — give real ownership.
Growth comes from getting uncomfortable.
Mentorship requires patience and flexibility.
Great internships build loyalty and future hires.
Success works both ways when value is shared.
Tune In and Get Inspired
If you’ve been hesitant to bring on an intern, this episode might change your mind. Internships done right can strengthen your team, build future leaders, and give students the kind of experience they’ll carry for years.
Listen to the full episode of Behind the Brand to hear more about Kelly and Taylor’s early experiences, Macki’s take on her summer at Moxie, and the lessons learned along the way.
And if you’re ready to grow your brand — with or without an intern — the Moxie team is here to help.
