Fetching coffee. Filing papers. Sitting quietly in meetings.

That’s what most people expect from an internship.

But this summer, five TPG interns in Portland and Renton took on real projects and tackled challenges, including:

  • Designing training and onboarding experiences for employees across TPG
  • Supporting major events that bring employees, clients, and communities together
  • Turning business and wellbeing data into actionable insights
  • Improving sales workflows that help producers succeed
  • Building AI-powered automation tools that save time and increase efficiency

Chief People Officer Karla Thommen explains that the goal goes beyond simply showing students what the workplace is like.

“Our interns are assigned to exciting projects, allowing them to be internal consultants, solving real-world problems for our organization.”

That philosophy shaped this year’s experience from day one.

Learning & Development Intern Bryce Dahlgren noticed this right away. She started by getting oriented in her new role, but soon took ownership of learning experiences that will keep helping employees even after her internship. Anyone at TPG who completes HIPAA training, new-hire onboarding, or division-specific learning in the 360Learning platform will use content Bryce helped create and improve this summer.

Before starting, Organizational Wellbeing Intern Disha Manikandan expected a typical support role. As a psychology major new to the industry, she pictured a desk job with assigned tasks.

“I was given the opportunity to share my ideas. I got the chance to actually implement them as well.”

By the end of the summer’s end, Disha had created data visualizations, analyzed employee wellbeing surveys, and explored how AI could simplify reporting and highlight trends. Through this, she discovered a more technical side of herself.

Grant Casper returned for a second summer with Sales Operations. He started with prospect research and sales support, but soon found himself taking on something unexpected.

“Coming in as an intern, but then actually being able to train someone else was a huge honor.”

Claire Shafer supported planning for Throwdown, working with vendors and contributing to one of TPG’s signature events.

Meanwhile, Maiyan Job’s internship grew beyond its original focus, leading him into complex automation work with both People Operations and IT. He was especially proud of developing an AI-powered solution that files HR documents into SharePoint automatically, saving time and improving efficiency.

But when the conversation moved from projects to memories, the focus changed.

Not to technology.

Not to analytics.

Not even to the work itself.

It kept coming back to the people.

For Claire, what first felt intimidating soon became one of the most rewarding parts of her experience.

“People are so helpful here. It felt so much less intimidating when I actually showed up and talked face-to-face with people.”

She credited Janelle Wiley’s leadership and mentorship, describing her as exceptionally skilled in her role and inspiring to learn from.

Bryce highlighted Learning & Development Manager Caitlyn Brentin as a mentor whose passion for her work influenced how Bryce thinks about her own future career.

In Renton, Grant thanked leaders across TPG’s offices who supported his development, including Richard Broaddus, Stuart Croft, Mark Rose, and Brenda Randall.

“I’ve never felt like I’m doing busy work. I always see the impact of what I’m doing.”

Disha thanked Katie Hassall for helping her set professional goals and build confidence, and Lily Beck-Price for guiding her through the organization and helping her develop business skills.

While Maiyan spent much of the summer working on automation solutions, he was quick to thank the people who helped him learn new things. He spoke highly of Case Escher as a trusted sounding board, while also recognizing Tim Anderson, the IT team, and the People Operations team for their support. As his projects grew, these relationships helped him take on new challenges and gain experience in different departments.

When asked what advice they would give to next year’s interns, they answered right away.

“Stay curious. Ask questions. Come into it with an open mind.”

“Nerves are normal, but don’t let them get in the way of making connections and being part of the workplace.”

And, as Disha put it: “Push yourself. This is definitely the environment that provides you that opportunity.”

To Bryce, Claire, Disha, Grant, and Maiyan: thank you for an amazing summer. Your curiosity, creativity, and willingness to jump in made a real difference, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!