Our PGT team talks about what’s “between the lines” — what motivates and excites them, why they choose PGT, and what they’ve learned along the way…

Internships are often painted with extremes; you’re either the invisible coffee-runner or the next corporate prodigy. The truth is somewhere in between, and every bit as important.

As someone who experienced being an intern before becoming full-time with PGT, I’ve realized there’s a lot more to being “just the intern” than most people talk about. It’s a role full of learning, awkward moments, quiet wins, and a whole lot of growth. Here’s what it’s really like.

The First Day: Excitement Meets Imposter Syndrome

Day one began for me at 19, sitting in front of a group of professionals with a mix of anticipation and mild panic. I logged in wearing my newest and best outfit, trying to look confident while wondering if they could all tell how scared I was. I stumbled and forgot my own name, but was met with the kindest faces and the warmest welcomes. I was introduced to more people than I could remember, shown systems with names I had never heard before, and told “just ask if you have any questions,” even though I didn’t know what I didn’t know yet.

But beneath the nerves, I was curious: What will I actually be doing? Will this be meaningful? Will I fit in?

Here’s the truth I discovered from my team: They remembered what being new felt like and were all quietly cheering for me to succeed.

Learning the Job and the Unwritten Rules

I was trained on tasks and tools and given projects, but so much of my success has come from learning the stuff no one says out loud.

Things like:

• How does the team really communicate? (Are emojis okay? Did I put too many exclamation points in my email?
• When is the best time to speak up in meetings? Am I supposed to use this “raise your hand” button

Interning with PGT taught me how to observe, be kind and helpful in the professional world, and that thriving in a workplace isn’t just about doing the job; it’s about understanding how and why things are done. I have learned to be curious and have an entire team that has welcomed me with open arms into their world. 

The Small Wins That Feel Huge

Most internships start with basic assignments—taking notes, updating spreadsheets, drafting content, and shadowing someone. At first, I wondered if I was truly making a contribution. But here’s the secret – every small task is a test of trust. When someone saw me handle something well, they give me a little more. Then a little more.

Before long, I had small moments where I noticed:

• I was trusted with something real
• My suggestion was heard in a meeting and actually implemented
• I solved a problem on my own

These small wins helped my confidence bloom. I began to feel less like “an intern” and more like someone who belonged on the team.

The Unexpected Lessons

Internships taught me things that go way beyond the job description. I learned how to take feedback without taking it personally. I learned that “I don’t know, but I’ll figure it out” is a perfectly professional answer. I learned how and when to step up, when to listen, and that showing initiative does make a difference.

It helped me begin to discover what excites me, and just as importantly, what doesn’t. Sometimes that realization is the biggest win of all.

The Power of Mentorship

One of the most valuable parts of any internship is finding someone who gets it. My time at PGT has introduced me to professionals who I truly believe will continue to be mentors as I continue in my career. 

I’ve built meaningful connections with colleagues who have welcomed me with open arms, offering not just guidance but a genuine love for me and our team. Feeling seen, supported, and valued in a workplace like this is rare. The sense of family that exists here is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

Working in a small business has also shown me the importance of flexibility, where everyone steps up, wears different hats, and supports one another when it’s needed most. The patience, kindness, and encouragement my team has extended to me are something I’ll never take for granted.

This internship wasn’t just a learning experience—it was a launchpad. It gave me opportunities I never imagined, and a team that believes in me so loudly and so fully, it drowns out any doubts I had about myself.

Growing Into the Role

By the time my internship ended, I knew that I was not the same timid 19-year-old who walked in on day one. I have learned how to ask better questions, how to work through uncertainty, and how to carry myself with more confidence—even when I am still figuring things out. This level of confidence created a person who was more sure of herself in the workplace and outside of it. 

Being an intern wasn’t about being perfect. It was about being willing to learn, to listen, to take chances, and to grow.

The growth is not something I will add to my resume. It’s something I will carry forward with me into every role that follows.

Being an intern at PGT built a foundation for me, and that’s something to be proud of.