Why Internships Matter. How Investing in Young Talent Pays Off for Companies & Students Alike

In today’s fast-paced job market, internships have evolved from a “nice-to-have” to an essential step in talent development. Companies that invest in internship programs don’t just offer a line item on a resume—they build future leaders, boost innovation, and strengthen their organizational culture from the ground up. 

In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 70.4% of interns are offered full-time roles upon completion of their internship, and 80% of those offers are accepted. 

From a student’s perspective, internships are equally valuable. A 2023 Strada Education Foundation study revealed that internships increase the likelihood of full-time employment by 50%, and those with internship experience are 15% more likely to feel confident in their career choice. 

At Roots Management Group, internships are more than temporary roles—they’re launchpads. Just ask McKay Lyman, now Director of Demand Generation, or Lauren Lockwood, now Website and Social Media Coordinator. Both began their careers at Roots as interns and turned those opportunities into meaningful, full-time careers. 

McKay Lyman: From Intern to Director 

After finishing grad school, McKay joined Roots Management Group as an intern in the marketing department. What started as a short-term experience quickly turned into a long-term opportunity. 

“I was given meaningful work right away,” says McKay. “I wasn’t just doing busywork—I was learning how the company ran and how I could contribute to real results.” 

With a background in business and a sharp understanding of digital strategy, McKay helped develop marketing frameworks that would eventually scale Roots’ visibility across multiple channels. Leadership took notice. 

“The leadership team believed in me before I had the title. That kind of trust fueled my drive to keep learning and keep delivering.” 

Today, McKay leads demand generation efforts, creating campaigns that drive growth across the Roots portfolio. His journey shows his determination, passion and how investing in young professionals is a smart move. 

Lauren Lockwood: Building Roots’ Digital Identity 

Lauren Lockwood joined Roots as a marketing intern in 2023 with a passion for storytelling and digital content. Her first assignment? Interview every department head to better understand the company and rewrite the website copy based on what I was learning. 

“That first project opened my eyes to how much everyone here truly believes in our core values,” Lauren recalls. “It was clear I was part of something meaningful from day one.” 

Lauren’s curiosity and initiative didn’t go unnoticed. After helping with the Roots website rebrand, she began managing Roots’ social media channels—developing content, building engagement strategies, and shaping the brand’s digital voice. 

“One of the first things Darrin (Caldwell) asked me was what I wanted to do in marketing. From there, he and Christine (Bachman) provided mentorship and training to help me grow in those areas.” 

Now, as the full-time Website and Social Media Coordinator, Lauren continues to innovate and elevate Roots’ digital presence daily. 

“Internships are a win-win. Students get real experience, and companies get fresh ideas and the opportunity to nurture future talent who already understand the company’s mission.” 

Internships give students the chance to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, while companies gain access to fresh perspectives, digital natives, and potential future hires.

Roots Management Group’s success with interns like McKay and Lauren proves that when companies treat interns like team members, not temporary help, the return on investment is exponential.  And when those interns become employees, they hit the ground running—already aligned with company values, culture, and goals. 

At Roots, internships aren't the end of the story. They're the beginning. 

If you’re a student considering an internship at Roots, take Lauren’s advice: 

“Stay curious, raise your hand, and lean into every opportunity. You’re not just filling a seat—you’re shaping your future and helping shape the future of this industry.”