Five Qualities That Make a Top-Notch Intern

By Lukas Nier (BS 26)

Hands-on experience is often the best teacher. Summer internships offer a great chance for college students to not only gain on-the-job training but also build their resumes and their personal networks for future career opportunities. 

Internships can be a lot of work: applying, interviewing, and learning new skills, but in the end, they can be life-changing. 

To help prepare you for this experience, we have compiled attributes and qualities of a good intern We asked some well-known organizations what they look for in an intern, and this is what they said: 

Go Above and Beyond

Showing up every day for work isn’t enough to make you a good intern. You can make intentional choices to stand out beyond being consistent. When we asked Jen Scheck, Senior Vice President of HR at Focus on The Family, she said, “A good intern is someone who shows up curious and eager to learn. They bring a ‘let’s go’ attitude.” 

“The best interns don’t just check the boxes; they go above and beyond, adding value, offering fresh ideas, and leaving things better than they found them.”

Scheck says the best interns are creative and think outside the box, but are flexible enough to adapt to whatever a single day can bring. 

“Creativity is their superpower, helping them brainstorm, problem-solve, and think outside the box, while flexibility allows them to adapt, pivot, and still deliver their best no matter what the day brings. If you’re ready to learn, hustle, and grow, you’ll fit right in—and might even surprise yourself along the way.”

If interested in gaining experience at Focus on the Family, a Colorado nonprofit that helps Christian marriages and parents thrive, look for internship opportunities on its website. You will learn so much, make a difference, and have a ton of fun, too. 

Have a Growth Mindset

Answers in Genesis is a Christian organization that promotes the earth’s creation from a Christian and historical viewpoint. Every summer, the ministry hires new interns, not only to learn important life skills but also to take a deeper dive into their faith. Cassie Hughes, HR representative, remarked on this aspect: 

“We are always thrilled to welcome interns who bring a fresh perspective, passion for their field, and a desire to not only grow in their professional experience but also in their knowledge and relationship with Christ!”

Hughes was also excited that many interns return even after finishing their education to continue serving the mission. If you are looking for these opportunities, check out the website for Christian internships and job opportunities. 

Take Ownership

“A top-notch intern is proactive and takes ownership to deliver meaningful results within a short window of time. They seek out opportunities, ask thoughtful questions, and move work forward,” said Katie Stark, supervisor of talent acquisition at Compassion International in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“Genuine curiosity also sets a top intern apart from others. They care not only about getting something out of the experience but also about the people around them and the broader mission of the organization. In addition, top interns bring an attitude of joy and encouragement, lifting others up and contributing positively to the team culture. It is a ‘win-win’ if the intern combines their passion with their God-given talents to grow, approaching work with ownership and positivity.” 

Compassion International, which fights to end poverty for children around the world in Jesus name, has a competitive and highly sought-after internship program. 

Applications for Christian internships for the spring and summer of 2027 will open this September 2026. You can find more details about Compassion’s internships here, and watch the LinkedIn page for updates as well. You can also email internships@us.ci.org with any questions you have.

Be Curious

Natasha Hjelm, workplace giving manager at World Vision  USA, gave insight into what it looks like to intern at a mission-based organization. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian development and advocacy organization. It helps families, children, and communities overcome poverty. 

Hjelm describes a good intern as one who is “curious, dependable, and willing to jump in and learn.” “In a nonprofit setting like World Vision, it also helps when they care about the mission and understand that even small tasks can support bigger work for children and families around the world,” said Hjelm.

World Vision values interns who ask questions, follow through, stay flexible, and bring a positive attitude to the team. If this describes you, check out WV’s website for openings. 

Bring Your Energy

Tim Veenstra, a teaching pastor at Nappanee Missionary Church says it has had the privilege of having over 300 interns in the last 50 years. The main thing they look for out of their interns: 

“Be hungry, humble, and willing to ask good questions.” Veenstra says when interns bring these qualities, they add incredible energy and vitality to the staff. 

“One of the greatest gifts an intern can bring is the ability to ask thoughtful questions. Whether during the interview process or throughout the work week, a good question forces those providing leadership and oversight to pause, evaluate, and sometimes rethink what we do and why we do it.”

Overall, the church wants interns who are resourceful, problem solvers, and initiators. Finding balance in all these aspects while staying humble enough to learn and ask questions is the perfect spot for an intern. All of these qualities will make you an incredible helper for a great mission. 

The church’s internship program runs in the summer from May 16 to July 24. The deadline to apply is January 30. For more information or to apply, check out NMC’s website. 

What Kind of Intern Will You Be?

The world is your oyster when it comes to internship possibilities. There are so many wonderful organizations and companies that you can partner with as you gain hands-on experience and build your resume. Don’t wait until the last minute to start thinking about your next internship, but rather plan ahead and apply early. Watch and see what doors the Lord will open for you when you work hard and trust Him.

And when you do land your dream internship, follow these five tips to become a top-notch employee who creates a memorable reputation for being a hard-working individual. You never know how one open door and a good reputation might lead to more open doors down the road.