After a day spent traveling from Oregon, South Dakota, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and everywhere in between, the 95 final candidates for the AJGA’s summer internship arrived at AJGA Headquarters last Friday night for Intern Recruiting Weekend.
From the moment candidates were greeted by staff at the airport until they boarded vehicles to take them back to the airport on Sunday afternoon, the weekend was a whirlwind of 36 hours where intern candidates learned about the AJGA’s mission, met the full-time staff, participated in various activities and interviews, and had the opportunity to hear from special guest speakers.
As I was trying to figure out how I wanted to recap Intern Recruiting Weekend on the blog, I realized there would be no better way than for some of the intern candidates to tell you themselves about what they learned about golf, the AJGA, and themselves. So, without further adieu, Intern Recruiting Rewind… from our intern candidates:
“Everyone I spoke to about IRW told me that it would be a once in a lifetime experience and that I would grow as a person because of it. What they didn’t tell me is that I was going to have the opportunity to see how an internship with the AJGA would impact others… [The AJGA] does not simply give junior golfers an opportunity to play, but it enhances, positively shapes, and changes the lives of those involved.”
-Megan Arnold
“Each day I have been taught something new that can benefit me both as a person and help me elevate my professional career.”
-Ryan LaBell
“Overall, the weekend was not what I expected, but I can say it was way better than I expected… I have already taken away so much from this weekend that will help personally and professionally.”
-Jessica Self
“This weekend, I realized the AJGA is more than just an internship. Yes, it consists of a lot of work and long hours, but that is not what the organization is about. The internship program is about the relationships that are made and development of each intern. [During the weekend] I have learned about teamwork and the importance of each and every team member.”
-Ashlyn Stone
“I have learned that each person in a group is a valuable asset. Everyone in the group brings certain ideas to the table that the other may not have thought of. We each have to give a little to all reach our goal of finishing the project. The American Junior Golf Association Intern Recruiting Weekend has been fun, eye-opening, and eventful. I have learned a lot and will use what I have learned in everyday life.”
-David Nichols
“Along the way of working with my team, making decisions, and working toward the same goal, I have bonded with my seven other team members and have built relationship that I never expected coming here this weekend. I feel as though I have already grown as a person and have grown for my professional career.”
-Megan Stiffelman
On Friday night, Bill Hughes, General Manager of TPC Sawgrass, spoke to the intern candidates and left them with the quote, “Success begins with a state of mind.” This quote was not only something that could be carried with the interns candidates over the course of the weekend, but also something we can all take with us in our everyday lives.
When I participated in Intern Recruiting Weekend in 2011, my thoughts were similar to those that are quoted above. Even if I had not been hired by the AJGA as an intern, or subsequently, in a full-time position, I learned so much that weekend that left a positive impact on my life.
It was awesome to get to meet all of the fantastic intern candidates that were selected to attend Intern Recruiting Weekend 2013, and I can’t wait to have some of them join us as part of #AJGA2013 and the #AJGAInternship.
Until next time,
Alexis (@AJGAWitman)
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