The Intern Diaries (S2E6): The Best of Both Worlds

Who would’ve thought that interns like these would double as super stars? Let’s explore the exciting dual lives (part students, part interns) of our summer celebrities as they rock out the show through Week 6. We’re focused on management – talent management that is – with a spotlight on the HR department! Whether you’re having more of a Miley Stewart or a Hannah Montana day, this one’s sure to bring down the house.

Ft. Guest Star Dolly Parton (Sarah Musante)

The best Hannah Montana episodes were the ones where Aunt Dolly would show up and sing a life-changing duet with Miley. We didn’t have quite enough budget for that, but we sprung for the next best thing: a Sarah Musante lunch       and-learn! As the Chief Human Resources Officer and Resident Horse Girl, Sarah knows a thing or two about getting over tough barriers. She imparted lots of good tips on how to grow in your career and reach the top, just like Dolly did. Alexa, play 9-to-5, please!

Josey Hackemack, our candidate for the most Hannah Montana-esque name said, “My favorite lunch-and-learn was with Sarah Musante. I enjoyed getting to learn how she has helped grow the HR department at Hightower from just her to the current position [and a full team], and the obstacles that tagged along with the transformation. She brought a personable energy that made it easy to talk amongst the group, as well as learn from her experiences.” Accounting and finance intern William Aylesworth scored himself a walk-on role this week. He added, “She was very real and honest when she spoke with us, and it was inspiring to hear how she grew with Hightower.” Find a guitar and let’s sing her praises because that was heart-warming!

Disney 3-6-5 with A-List Intern Sarah Welch

As a pop star, it’s not uncommon to have interviews with the press. (Just add a sparkly jacket and a blonde wig if you happen to have a secret identity). If your double life leads you to intern-shipping at Hightower, you can expect the same treatment. Keeping on trend with the HR focus, I interviewed Learning & Development Intern Sarah Welch. Sarah liked Season 1 of the Hightower Internship so much, her character arch got extended for Season 2! Not unlike Hannah/Miley, she’s hardworking with a sparkly personality. Here’s what this Chicago dreamer had to say about life this time around.

HT: You’re on year 2 of the summer internship program. Why did you stick around?

SW: After working throughout the school year this past year, I was eager to get back into the office to see familiar faces again! I also stuck around because I was given the opportunity to help coordinate and run the summer internship program, which has been an amazing opportunity where I’ve been able to gain practical experience taking responsibility for making some of our events happen!

HT: Have you learned anything this year that you wish you’d known for your first internship?

SW: I’ve learned how to break out of my shyness shell throughout the past year, which is something that could’ve really benefitted me in my first internship. 

HT: What’s been the most impactful experience you’ve had at Hightower and why?

SW: The relationships I’ve built at Hightower have been the most impactful. Having a strong support system at work makes the workday fun on great days and have helped me power through on tough days.

HT: What do you think is the most challenging part of the internship program? How did you handle it?

SW: This might be specific to me and my tendency to be shy, but the most challenging parts of the internship program have been speaking up and expressing my thoughts and opinions. Especially in your first-ever corporate experience, it can be difficult to gain that confidence. But establishing relationships and a support system at work has been key to me gaining confidence and believing that my thoughts and ideas are worthwhile!

HT: Tell us something you’re proud of.

SW: I’m so proud of our 2023 summer intern class. They’ve made my job so much easier in how engaged, passionate and participative they are in all our intern events. Beyond this though, I’m proud of myself for commanding authority and attention when coordinating our intern events even though this can be challenging for me!

HT: Favorite song/playlist to work to?

SW: My favorite work playlists change from month to month! In June, I was strictly listening to the band Boygenius on repeat. And in July, I’ve only been listening to Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) on repeat all throughout the work day.

HT: Best office snack this year?

SW: I am still a sucker for the M&Ms but the regular size M&Ms are not as good as the Mini M&Ms from last summer. So, I’m leaning more toward the pretzels this time around!

HT: Who is your professional alter ego? (Mine’s Leslie Knope)     

SW: My professional alter ego is probably Meghan Markle’s character in Suits!

HT: Hannah Montana lives her dream as pop star. What is your dream job outside of this *gestures at Hightower paradise*?

SW: If I could be anything, I would want to be a pastry chef. If the restaurant industry wasn’t so brutal and culinary school wasn’t so expensive, I would pursue that path!

HT: Summer is ending sooner than we’d all like. What’s next for you?

SW: I’m staying on as an intern throughout this next school year! I’m graduating in November so I’ll be sticking around as a Hightower intern until then. After graduation, the sky is the limit!

End on a Sweet Note

Since Hannah Montana is a pop star, I thought it would only be fitting to showcase the musical preferences of our Circle of Stars. Get the 411 on what everybody’s listening to!

• “Symphony No. 2” by Sergei Rachmaninoff – Chaeil Yun
• “When Emma Falls in Love” by Taylor Swift – Sarah Welch
• “How the World Works” by Bo Burnham — Jack Hughes
• “Cocoa Butter Kisses” by Chance the Rapper – Will Aylesworth
• “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan – Sam Randman
• “Problem” by Mac Miller – Alex Varady
• “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock got two votes(!?) – Josey Hackemack AND Ashleigh Szydlowski
• “Ain’t Enough Whiskey (Live)” by Kameron Marlowe – Reagan Towers
• “Lose Control” by James Hype – Evan Echlin
• Steely Dan (any and all it seems!) – Will Miltenberger
• “9 to 5” by NONE OTHER THAN Dolly Parton!— Syney Lapper (She says “it feels relevant and motivating” – relevant to this blog post too, Sydney! Thank you!)

That really took me for a ride. Should I turn this eclectic mix into a playlist?

PSSST We asked some other people in the office what they were listening to, as well… the results were seemingly more unanimous:

Like what you see? Find all the episodes of Money Baggage here.

Cut to commercial; it’s time for my break! Tune in next week to see what the interns are moving the needle on with their dynamic synergies.