A Moment with Layla Melendez, L+M’s 2023 Communications + Marketing Intern

L+M reached out to the 2023 intern cohort to find out more about their intern experience and how it informed their professional development. This submission is from Layla Melendez, who interned with our Communications + Marketing team.

What impact did the 2023 summer internship program have on you professionally and personally?

Professionally, the internship program provided me with my first internship opportunity in a corporate setting. Through this, I learned many important skills like teamwork, corporate communication writing, graphic design, and financial literacy. It was also my first time having access to a mentor. Personally, I had been wanting a mentor but had no access to an opportunity like that. The internship at L+M was not only able to provide me with this but opened many doors that seemed out of reach beforehand.

How did L+M live up to its mission “Working Together to Building Stronger Communities” through its internal culture and the community they serve?

L+M lived up to its mission by maintaining a friendly culture throughout the workplace. One of my first thoughts as an intern was “Wow, everyone is so smiley here.” That never changed. L+M and its employees do their best to make all feel welcome and spread kindness around the office. This is how we build community.

Based on your experience at L+M, how will the summer experience for the next generation of interns impact their professional development?

The summer intern experience at L+M will impact the professional development of future interns by immersing them in an engaging, busy workplace. You are genuinely treated like an employee and expected to work as such. No one is ordering you around to get their coffee or file copies all day. You will gain real experience performing tasks like someone else on your team would if you were not there. You are a member of the team for real!

What advice do you have for the 2024 summer interns?

Go after every opportunity you can.