National Intern Day
National Intern Day is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the hard work, contributions, and potential of interns across various industries. This special day highlights the importance of internships in career development and acknowledges the fresh perspectives that interns bring to organizations.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: The last Thursday of July each year
- Tagged as: A day to celebrate and honor interns
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalInternDay
- When was it founded?: 2017
- Who founded it?: WayUp (founded by Liz Wessel and JJ Fliegelman)
History of National Intern Day
National Intern Day was established in 2017 by WayUp, a job site and mobile app designed to help college students and recent graduates find employment opportunities. The founders recognized the need to celebrate the often underappreciated work of interns and to encourage companies to create meaningful internship experiences.
The holiday was created to bring attention to the challenges and inequalities that entry-level candidates and interns regularly face in the workforce. It also aims to highlight how internships are essential for acquiring valuable experience and exposure in professional settings.
Since its inception, National Intern Day has gained significant traction, with thousands of companies participating annually. The day has evolved to include virtual events, awards for exceptional interns, and resources for companies to improve their internship programs.
Timeline
- 2017: WayUp launches National Intern Day, with over 1,000 companies joining the celebration
- 2021: The initiative continues to grow, with more companies recognizing the importance of internships
- 2022: National Intern Day expands its reach, becoming a widely recognized observance
- 2023: The celebration continues to evolve, with more focus on virtual and hybrid internship experiences
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 31 | Thursday |
| 2026 | July 30 | Thursday |
| 2027 | July 29 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 27 | Thursday |
| 2029 | July 26 | Thursday |
| 2030 | July 25 | Thursday |
Observed
National Intern Day is observed by companies of all sizes across various industries. Organizations typically celebrate by hosting special events, providing professional development opportunities, recognizing outstanding interns, and showing appreciation through various activities.
Common ways to observe the day include award ceremonies, mentor-mentee lunches, professional development webinars, social media spotlights, and team-building activities. Some companies also use this opportunity to announce extensions of internships or full-time job offers to exceptional interns.
Fun Facts About National Intern Day
- Every year, WayUp releases a “Top 100 Internship Programs” list to showcase employers who have created exceptional experiences for their interns.
- There’s also a “Top 100 Interns” list highlighting early-career individuals who go above and beyond in their roles.
- Past winners of the top internship program include Under Armor, Citi, and Lumen.
- Between 5,000 and 12,000 students apply for the U.S. College Connections Internship Program at FedEx alone each year.
- The celebration has grown from a small initiative to a nationally recognized observance in just a few years.
Quiz
- When is National Intern Day celebrated?
- Who founded National Intern Day?
- In what year was National Intern Day established?
- What is the purpose of National Intern Day?
- What special lists does WayUp release on National Intern Day?
(Answers: 1. The last Thursday of July; 2. WayUp (Liz Wessel and JJ Fliegelman); 3. 2017; 4. To recognize and celebrate interns’ contributions; 5. Top 100 Internship Programs and Top 100 Interns lists)
FAQs
Q: Is National Intern Day the same as Intern Appreciation Day?
A: No, they are different observances. National Intern Day is celebrated on the last Thursday of July and was founded by WayUp in 2017. Intern Appreciation Day is observed on the third Thursday of January and was founded by Lauren Berger (Intern Queen) in 2017.
Q: How can companies celebrate National Intern Day?
A: Companies can celebrate by hosting award ceremonies, organizing mentor-mentee lunches, providing professional development opportunities, highlighting interns on social media, sending thank-you notes or gifts, and organizing team-building activities.
Q: Is National Intern Day only for paid interns?
A: No, National Intern Day celebrates all interns, whether they are paid or unpaid, as it focuses on recognizing the value of internship experiences and the contributions interns make.
Importance of National Intern Day
National Intern Day serves as a reminder of the vital role interns play in organizations. It acknowledges that interns are more than just temporary help—they are future leaders who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and enthusiasm to the workplace.
The day also emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful internship experiences that provide real value to both the interns and the organizations. By celebrating National Intern Day, companies demonstrate their commitment to developing talent and investing in the future workforce.
For interns, this day offers recognition of their hard work and contributions, boosting their confidence and motivation. It also highlights the significance of internships as a crucial stepping stone in career development.
Related
- Student Appreciation Day
- Administrative Professionals Day
- Employee Appreciation Day
- Career Development Month
- Mentoring Month