UKG's Intern Academy is a paid global program for various technical and business career tracks, allowing our interns to face fun and interesting challenges, grow their networks, and do meaningful work each day. From first impressions to future aspirations, hear what Daejah, Daniel, and Ellie say about their summer internship experiences. Discover the skills they gained, the projects they worked on, and how this journey is shaping their career paths.
Meet Daejah
I am an intern for the Presales Enablement and Innovation (PEI) team. In PEI, we prepare and support new Presale Solution Consultant hires with demo training and learning. I am a rising senior at the University of Florida (UF), majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Innovation. During high school, I participated in cheerleading, majorette, and dance. Now, I channel that passion into my on-campus involvements, such as my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. We perform steps and shows to raise awareness about important issues affecting the world and the black community.
Meet Daniel
I’m a TechStar Intern with the Identity, access management, and authentication team. I am currently a senior studying Computer Science at Florida State University in Tallahassee. I am Vietnamese, and my main interests include listening to pop and hip-hop music from artists like DPR IAN, Chase Atlantic, and Metro Boomin. I also enjoy challenging yet fun games such as Elden Ring and Path of Exile. I was drawn to UKG because a friend who works here often talks about the fantastic work environment and the meaningful projects they are involved in. I wanted to experience life at UKG for myself, and so far, I am really enjoying it.
Meet Ellie
I joined UKG this summer as a recruitment marketing and branding intern. I work alongside the Talent Acquisition team to engage future candidates and ensure a great workplace for current U Krewers. My responsibilities include gathering and marketing employee testimonials and curating content that shapes the culture at UKG. I’m currently a senior at Florida International University (FIU), studying marketing, and I’m on track to graduate in Spring 2025. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, I love visiting new restaurants in my city, cooking, and focusing on personal fitness during my free time.
What is your favorite thing about interning at UKG?
Daejah: My favorite aspect of working at UKG is the sense of belonging and purpose I’ve felt since my first day. Everyone is so welcoming, supportive, and lighthearted that it doesn’t feel like a job on some days. It’s fun to clock in and join meetings; I love meeting new people and making connections. The networking opportunities are endless. Another thing I appreciate about the intern experience at UKG is the focus on growth and development. There are numerous workshops and sessions designed to help you advance both professionally and personally. My team has been incredibly helpful in supporting my goals for the internship and ensuring I achieve each one.
Daniel: My favorite thing about interning at UKG is the amazing team I get to work with every day. I feel like I’m part of a cooperative, encouraging community where people are willing to lend a hand and offer their expertise. Every project is fascinating and satisfying because of the challenges and teamwork that come with each project. There is always something that challenges me to develop and get better, whether it be through intern events or even daily stand-ups.
Ellie: I am amazed by the endless opportunities available to interns. As I look to grow my skills early in my career, UKG offers networking events, real industry experience, and valuable corporate knowledge as a large company. Even as an intern, I have access to a wealth of information that helps me learn and prepare for a successful future career.
My favorite aspect of working at UKG is the sense of belonging and purpose I’ve felt since my first day. Everyone is so welcoming, supportive, and lighthearted that it doesn’t feel like a job on some days.
Presales Enablement and Innovation Intern
What surprised you during your first few weeks at UKG?
Daejah: What surprised me the most is the culture; everyone here feels so approachable, and you can easily set up a meeting with anyone just to chat. I expected it to be much more separated, with people working independently. As someone experiencing a real corporate position at a big company for the first time, I was prepared to feel isolated and figure things out on my own. Instead, I've found a supportive environment where collaboration is encouraged.
Daniel: I was really surprised at how welcoming the first few weeks were, with the entirety of the first week dedicated to onboarding interns. UKG has a strong mentorship and support system for TechStars, and we were able to meet with our mentors, managers, and even leaders in different fields of UKG. Once I got to work with my team during the second week, it was incredible to see how caring the entire team was, walking me through all the new skills and technologies that I would need the context or ability to use in my work.
Ellie: What surprised me the most was the excellent benefits full-time employees receive. During my orientation, I learned how much UKG values its U Krewers and is committed to creating the best work environment for employees and their families. Additionally, I was entrusted with meaningful projects right from the start of my internship. This assured me that I would gain the experience needed to grow professionally.
How has your in-person or remote work setting enhanced your internship experience?
Daejah: As a fully remote intern, my experience has been very positive and accommodating. I take classes during the summer for a specific program at UF and have several obligations in Gainesville, making it easier for me to stay in town. Despite being remote, I haven't felt left out at all. Most of the people I meet with are either remote or hybrid, which fosters excellent communication since we can all relate to working from home. Most intern meetings are conducted online. Overall, I have felt very well accommodated as a remote intern.
Daniel: My internship has been greatly enhanced by the hybrid work setting, which provides both flexibility and a well-balanced work-life dynamic. Working from home allows for intense concentration and productivity in a distraction-free and comfortable environment while working in the office promotes essential face-to-face collaboration and team building. This hybrid setup has reduced the need for a daily commute and given me a more flexible schedule. Overall, the hybrid arrangement helps me grow both personally and professionally by preparing me for future work and making me feel more integrated into the team.
Ellie: I work remotely, and it has been very flexible for me as a full-time student taking courses during the summer. UKG is well acclimated for hybrid and remote workers as I can reach and communicate with people across multiple departments quite easily. Additionally, I have the opportunity to collaborate with U Krewers in other states and countries!
My internship has been greatly enhanced by the hybrid work setting, which provides both flexibility and a well-balanced work-life dynamic.
TechStar Intern with the Identity, Access Management, and Authentication team
What advice would you share with future intern candidates and managers to make the most out of the internship experience?
Daejah: The advice I would give to incoming interns is to make the most out of their internship—you get out what you put in. Be interactive, meet new people, network, use the available resources, and attend as many optional events as you can. Additionally, track everything you do in either a journal or an Excel sheet. The weeks will fly by, and you'll want to be able to reflect on and articulate everything you did and learned. Lastly, be yourself. In many jobs, you don't have the luxury of showing your personality, but at UKG, you can. Just remember to maintain a balance of professionalism while doing so.
Daniel: For future intern candidates, learn to take the initiative and look for learning opportunities right away. Instead of waiting to be given a task, ask how you can help and offer your assistance. Engage actively by signing up for employee resource groups, attending workplace events, or even just having lunch with coworkers. These are great resources for understanding the culture. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, as it's an essential aspect of learning and growing.
For managers, make sure to provide interns with precise instructions so that they understand their responsibilities and how they fit into the bigger picture of the team. Regular feedback and check-ins can help interns improve and gain confidence in their roles as well as create an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help. To make interns feel involved and valued, encourage them to participate in team meetings and projects.
Ellie: Internships can fly by, so it's important to network and meet as many leaders as possible to expand your contacts across different teams and gain valuable knowledge. Connecting with various UKrewers, not just on my team but from different departments, helped me understand the diverse efforts that contribute to the company's success. Additionally, I was able to see how my projects as an intern truly made an impact.
Interested in joining the U Krew? Learn more about early careers and internships here: Internships; Early Career Opportunities
