It can be in packaging, marketing, operations or a variety of other fields, but working and mentoring interns can be a rewarding experience for both the learner and the teacher.
After 25 years in business, Cascade Lakes took on its first Production Assistant this year and Brewing Ops Manager Andy Rhine said it’s been refreshing to have a new part of the team in play for the Oregon veterans.
“It is important to take on interns because they often bring a new, fresh perspective to your company’s operations,” he said. “They improve practices and training because they encounter and raise issues that are new to those who are familiar with the operation.
“In turn, they become a brand ambassador, endorse your brand, and recruit members of the demographic our industry is trying to gain traction in.”
Although it has not happened yet at his current brewery in Texas, Hop & Sting‘s Brian Burton noted that interns have had future successes at other breweries he has run. He has had interns go on to be productive brewers, cellermen, and managers at various breweries.
“We make hires from all walks of life, so being an intern first is not necessary,” Burton added. “We do feel working with interns gets us an opportunity to get to know a person before we hire them.”
With Orpheus‘ current interns, Alicia Fortino said the Atlanta brewery can teach interns all about the company, its processes, and what marketing looks like for Orpheus.
“We work on projects together as a team, and empower our interns to think creatively and take the lead on projects of their own,” she said. “They have been a tremendous help in putting out new content and keeping up with some of the larger companies in our industry.
“Staying top of mind to our customer base is essential in such a heavily competitive market.”
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