The intern that almost never was.
This story is long but contains incredible lessons about networking, talent management, and the behind-the-scenes of hiring.
On Monday, I will onboard one of our interns into a permanent position. This seemingly mundane event almost never happened, at no fault of the intern or mine.
Three years ago, this intern started with our organization. I first heard about this intern when a trusted colleague I've known my whole career mentioned to me, "You've got to see this kid. He's the real deal."
It got my attention.
Sure enough, this kid was the real deal. Everything you would want in an intern: smart, quick learner, professional, humble, passionate.
My hiring manager's gears started churning.
After his first summer with us, I petitioned to place the intern in one of the branches on my team. I promised the local supervisor, "Don't worry, this one will be great."
I was correct.
Everyone loved this intern.
Then, 2025 happened.
The Federal Government froze hiring and began terminating probationary and temporary employees, including interns.
We lost many interns. Any intern who did not complete the minimum required term of service was let go.
Thankfully, my intern had already met the qualifications.
But we didn't know what would happen next.
For more than 12 months, I inquired with my leadership about the status of qualified interns. For most of that time, no one knew what was going to happen.
Graduation began to loom on the horizon, and my intern was texting me, "When will I hear anything? Should I be looking for something else?"
It felt hopeless. I was an intern once. I know what this feels like. Uncertainty is unhealthy.
I continued to inquire with HR and leadership, advocating for this intern's placement in my building.
The Federal Government freeze, RIF, and pressured resignations had left a stream of vacancies in its wake. We still didn't know if firings would follow.
Only a few months ago, we heard that qualified interns would be allowed to convert to permanent positions. Phew, the first step.
But would it be enough time for our intern to move across the country?
He was committed. So was I.
His permanent duty station was selected as my building. I was assigned as his supervisor, a non-traditional decision due to critical vacancies.
The past few months have been white-knuckled. With each step of the hiring process, we braced ourselves for a sudden, unexpected roadblock that would kill the deal.
None surfaced.
So on Monday, my intern joins my team. I was so preoccupied by the roller coaster of decisions that I haven't finished setting up his desk!
When you do good work, people notice.
When people notice, they want to hoard your talent.
When your talent is in high demand, you can go anywhere.
Your career is determined by the people you encounter and how they perceive you, because how they perceive you is how they talk about you.
If they like you, they will fight for you.
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