From Intern to Full-Time Employee: Navigating Growth and Support

As a former intern who has transitioned to a full-time Producer Associate role at Gallagher, I've experienced firsthand how much the organization values growth and development of it’s people. My journey has been one of continuous learning, championing challenges, and feeling genuinely supported by my team. In this blog, I'll share my insights on how Gallagher’s internship program has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and how the internship program prepared me for success in my current role.

Discovering Gallagher's Diverse Opportunities

When I first started interning at Gallagher, I had a limited understanding of the company's vast array of services. As I grew in my role, I discovered a wide range of opportunities across different divisions, such as GGB, GBS, RPS, and Gallagher Re. My manager made it clear that I’d have the flexibility and support to explore a niche where I could make a real impact. This flexibility and support allowed me to see that Gallagher goes beyond providing insurance services – it’s a place that values individual growth and is committed to helping us chart our own course forward.

Turning Challenges into Strengths

During my internship with the Management Liability Team, I faced a real challenge with public speaking. Each intern was tasked to present a stock market analysis of a client in front of the whole team. Initially terrified, I pushed through and discovered that I was capable of tackling difficult situations and adapting to challenges. Today, that experience has become one of my strengths. I feel much more comfortable presenting to clients and leading meetings, which has been crucial in my role.

Feeling Supported During the Transition

As a fresh Producer Associate at Gallagher, I struggled to navigate our document management system. One of my colleagues went out of their way to create several personalized job aids I could refer to for completing certain tasks. This gave me independence and reduced the need to constantly ask questions. Equipping me with the tools required to be successful, I felt valued. Having a strong team to rely on in initial days is parallel to none."

Transitioning to a full-time employee brought a significant learning curve, particularly when it came to understanding complex insurance jargon. Although I had learned the broader concepts in school, there was still so much to grasp. One of the biggest shifts for me was learning to take ownership of my work and decisions – responsibility and accountability. Unlike in my internship, where I could frequently seek guidance, I now had to hone my skills in task prioritization, time management, and effective communication. I’ve come to see this transition as invaluable for building my confidence and independence.

Building Lasting Connections

One aspect of my internship that I miss is the strong bond I formed with my fellow interns. We shared many great memories, especially during our trip to Home Office (Rolling Meadows), where we spent a week bonding and networking. The support and camaraderie within the intern class made the experience even more enjoyable. We would often grab lunch together, tackle projects, attended networking events, and helped each other along the way. This sense of community and friendship is something I cherish to this day.

Advice for Future Interns

To future interns, my advice is to carry a notepad wherever you go and jot down unfamiliar words and acronyms. At the end of each workday, look them up and create a personal handbook. This approach not only helps you better understand the language of the industry but also shows your commitment to learning and growing during your internship. By taking the initiative to educate yourself, you set yourself up to become more knowledgeable and a valued team member.

Gallagher’s internship program set clear standards and gave me insight into what would be expected of me as a full-time employee. The program introduced me to the daily tasks and responsibilities I’d later take on, all while reinforcing the company’s core values and The Gallagher Way. The program offers opportunities to connect with interns nationwide and to participate in seminars and workshops that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Thanks to this foundation, my transition into a full-time role felt natural – I was already familiar with the processes, values, and expectations that make Gallagher unique.