National Intern Day is celebrated in America every year on the last Thursday of July. In 2025, this day will be observed on July 31st. The purpose of this special day is to honor the contribution, hard work, and dedication to learning of young people doing internships. This day not only appreciates their efforts, but also reminds companies that these young professionals are the foundation of the future.
History: How did National Intern Day Begin?
In 2017, a company called WayUp started this day. The founders of this company, Liz Wessel and JJ Fliegelman, saw that millions of students and fresh graduates were struggling to start their careers. They made internship opportunities easier and more accessible through the WayUp platform. But just providing opportunities wasn't enough — they thought, why not have a day when the hard work of interns is openly appreciated? And that's where National Intern Day was born. This initiative was a great success. In the first year alone, 1000+ companies participated, and since then this sequence has been progressing with great enthusiasm and respect every year.
Why is Internship Important?
- Real Experience: Internships provide an opportunity to practically understand what is learned in college.
- Networking Opportunity: Meeting seniors, mentors and professionals helps in career growth.
- Self-Confidence: Working in the real world increases confidence.
- Preparation for Future Jobs: A good internship experience helps in getting a job in the future.
How to Celebrate National Intern Day?
1. Roll Out the Red Carpet: Award Ceremony
Organize an intern award ceremony in a light-hearted manner. Such as:
- 'Fastest Email Responder'
- 'Creative Presentation Master'
- 'Team Spirit Champion'
This fun way recognizes the daily efforts of the intern and brings positive energy to the office.
2. Lunch with Mentor: A Blend of Knowledge and Taste
Organize a mentor-mentee lunch where interns can freely interact with their seniors. Career-related guidance, real-world stories and sharing experiences — all this will help them move forward.
3. Give Flight to Intern Projects
Giving your intern a small independent project will give them confidence. When they complete a task with their own thinking, this experience will play an important role in their professional growth.
4. Spotlight on Social Media
Share the intern's achievements on your company's social media platform. A photo, a short interview or a glimpse of their project — this can be a great source of encouragement for them.
Youth Rights and Justice
National Intern Day is not only an opportunity for celebration, it is also an opportunity to talk about serious issues like youth rights and fair pay for them. Many interns also work without pay, which raises the question of whether everyone is getting equal opportunities? In such a situation, this day forces the society and companies to think about how to make internships more equitable.
Benefits of National Intern Day
'When you respect your interns, you are investing in future leaders.'
- Companies strengthen their brand
- Respect for interns improves company culture
- This day attracts future talent
- And yes, it also fills the team with positive vibes
National Intern Day is not just a date, but a celebration of the hard work, learning eagerness, and future-building journey of those young people. This day reminds us that today's interns are tomorrow's leaders. Let us appreciate them, teach them and inspire them so that they can move towards a confident future.
