In June of 2015, JES Holdings held a three-day Intern Orientation to welcome nine new summer interns. The goal of the orientation is to familiarize the interns with our company, address business etiquette and have some competitive fun as well!
The first two days consisted of providing the interns with a thorough understanding of the JES organization and affiliate companies and how each company carries out the JES mission. The interns heard presentations from senior-level management including Vice President, Kimberly Olden, Director of Transactions, Christie Haynes, and had lunch with the executive staff; President, Jeffrey E. Smith, and Executive Vice Presidents, Monica Swoboda and Will Markel. In addition, the group witnessed a presentation by Talbots and JOS. A. Bank on how to dress for success. Each individual participated in a personality analysis and a quick social media course.
The third day of the orientation is dedicated to an intern competition. The class is divided into two teams and must incorporate the information they have learned in the previous two days to prepare a marketing and financial plan for the early stages of an actual property under construction. At the end of the competition, the teams present their summary to a group of executives and directors in a board room setting to demonstrate what they have learned and pitch their own innovative ways to improve the property. Although the pressure is high, interns benefit greatly from the orientation and competition process. The executive team continues to be impressed by the caliber of our interns and have even integrated their fresh perspectives into practice.
