Bridging generations through opportunity, mentorship, and real-world experience.

Starting a career often begins with a small opportunity—just enough to get your foot in the door. In this case, that opportunity came in the form of an internship, giving a young student a glimpse into the working world.

This wasn’t about titles or flashy roles. It was about showing up, listening, asking questions, and learning from the people around him. Internships are about exposure—to conversations, projects, and decision-making that don’t happen in the classroom.

By being present and involved, this young intern got a taste of how teams collaborate, how problems are solved, and how businesses stay organized and responsive.

It’s a reminder that learning doesn’t always come from a syllabus. Sometimes, it comes from simply being in the room.

“By being present and involved, this young intern got a taste of how teams collaborate, how problems are solved, and how businesses stay organized and responsive.”

— GEORGE STROUMBOULIS

With my nephew, Yianni Protopapas and Ideoli’s Managin Director, EU, Kostas Varnavopoulos at the Grande Bretagne in Athens, Greece.

Learning Happens Through Participation – Not Perfection

Lesson:
One of the most underestimated elements of internships is simply being in the room. For young professionals, exposure is everything. Hearing how decisions are made, watching how colleagues collaborate, and seeing firsthand how problems are solved—this kind of learning doesn't come from textbooks or tutorials. It comes from observation, interaction, and experience.

Supporting Insight:
A 2023 survey by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) found that students who completed internships were 45% more likely to receive a job offer before graduation compared to those who did not. The reason? Employers value firsthand experience in a real business environment.

Takeaway:
It’s okay to not have all the answers. What matters is showing up, being present, asking thoughtful questions, and actively absorbing how things work. Participation is the foundation of progress.

Mentorship Doesn't Have to Be Formal to Be Meaningful

Lesson:
You don’t need a fancy title or a structured mentorship program to impact someone’s career. Sometimes it’s a conversation during a coffee break. Other times, it’s giving context to a task or taking a moment to explain the why behind a decision. These small gestures build trust and open the door for deeper understanding.

Supporting Insight:
According to a LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees say they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development. This includes informal learning and mentorship, especially early in a person’s journey.

Takeaway:
If you’ve got experience, share it. If you’ve made mistakes, talk about them. For interns and young professionals, real stories and practical advice are often more valuable than corporate handbooks.

Small Steps Now Can Spark Lifelong Confidence

Lesson:
Sometimes, all it takes is a small win to shift a young person’s mindset from “Can I do this?” to “I belong here.” Completing a task, contributing to a meeting, or even receiving a sincere “thank you” can instill a level of confidence that shapes their path forward.

Supporting Insight:
Neuroscience studies show that positive reinforcement during early career development significantly increases motivation and future performance. The emotional boost from doing meaningful work can set the tone for how someone approaches future challenges.

Takeaway:
Never underestimate the impact of a single opportunity. Even a short internship can ignite ambition, reshape goals, and spark curiosity about what’s possible.