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In the midst of the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, many corporations opted to cancel their summer internships.
Not Arch.
Arch introduced nearly 50 U.S.-based interns to its new virtual internship format. Rather than reporting to brick and mortar offices this year, interns are completing their programs from home this summer to adhere to social distancing measures.
While many interns have different start dates, several groups collaborated to ensure that interns have the resources and information needed to be caught up on all things Arch.
The virtual shift was a lot of work, but the employees who oversee our internship programs said it was worth it.
“It is very important to us that we have interns,” said Courteney Sebastian, an HR Coordinator. “There is so much value in what interns bring to our company. … The value definitely outweighs some of the challenges that we might have faced when trying to make the program virtual.”
The program’s shift to a virtual setting was also welcomed by this year’s cohort of interns.
“I was excited when I first discovered that Arch’s internship program would be converted to a virtual format because so many companies were cancelling their internship programs,” said Klaudia Gjokaj, an underwriting intern with the Executive Assurance team in Arch Insurance. “I am still grateful, regardless of the virtual aspect, but it is definitely difficult.”
With the virtual format, technology and video conferencing serves as a vital lifeline to keep interns connected to their teams and each other.
“I believe the way we can interact with other people is beneficial for this internship,” said Julia Allen, a summer Treasury intern with Arch Capital Services. “I’ve met a lot of people so far and I’m continuing to meet people.”
Online programs such as speaker series presentations from Arch leaders and virtual learning courses through Arch U give interns the chance to learn more about our company culture and gain skills that will help them in their positions.
“As I am an international student, I was looking forward to learning about the American work culture,” said Ranjan Shrestha, an Internal Audit intern with Arch Capital Services. “I wanted to share my learning and experience with other people and learn from other people while building connections with them at an individual level.”
In spite of the pandemic’s impact on everyday life for many, Arch’s pivot to virtual internships demonstrates our pursuit of innovation and the power of teamwork.
“We have a lot of the foundation laid, and I think the way the company has moved forward during times is a display of our innovation and ability to react to change and being very thoughtful and strategic about how we operate,” said Sarah Pendry, Talent Acquisition Partner, Arch MI. “While virtual, the program will be very collaborative and still provide meaningful developmental opportunities for interns.”
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