Internship Programs That Benefit Students And Employers

Welcome to People Person! In this episode, host and Morning Brew Inc.'s SVP Head of People Operations Kate Noel, speaks with Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake, Christine Cruzvergara. They discuss the impact of the current job market and AI tools on intern programs, how interns can prepare before they begin their role, and why the benefits of an intern program can last for a long time, for both students and employers.  00:00: Intro  01:52: The purpose of internships  03:11: Impacts of current job market   04:50: The responsibility of HR vs. managers 06:30: Should all internships be paid 11:38: Ensuring meaningful work  14:32: Measuring ROI outside of conversion  17:45: Onboarding interns, learning AI and communication at work 25:10: Using AI to apply  28:00: Skills to sharpen before an internship 31:00: Microinternhips  This episode is sponsored by QuickBooks. To learn more, visit: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/ Join us at HR Brew’s first-ever Summit in NYC on April 21, 2026: The Talent 2030 Collective  https://www.hr-brew.com/events/the-talent-2030-collective?utm_campaign=hrb_me_042126&utm_content=show_notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=peopleperson For all upcoming HR Brew events: https://www.hr-brew.com/events  Subscribe to the HR Brew newsletter: https://www.hr-brew.com/subscribe Watch People Person on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@hr-brew Follow HR Brew: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hr_brew/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hrbrew/ Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to peopleperson@morningbrew.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices People Person is a candid and conversational show where People Professionals can feel seen and heard, and learn from fellow experts in their field. Host and SVP, Head of People Operations at Morning Brew Inc, Kate Noel, brings years of expertise and a healthy sense of humor to discussions about the latest developments and insights that can help others enhance their workplace and their careers.  Biweekly episodes will feature Kate speaking with entertaining and experienced professionals about everything from holidays to healthcare, and AI to onboarding, in compelling episodes available everywhere you get your favorite Morning Brew podcasts.