For over a decade, Capella University has proudly served as a host site for student interns, offering aspiring professionals the opportunity to gain transformative, real-world experience in a dynamic corporate setting. These internships not only foster technical and professional growth but also empower students to confidently take their next steps toward future careers.
In this spotlight, we introduce two remarkable interns and their dedicated supervisor, whose stories illuminate the impact of hands-on learning. Together, they reveal how this experience is shaping their personal and professional trajectories—and how, in turn, their presence continues to enrich the culture and mission of Capella University.
Rahiina’s Journey: From High School to the Corporate World
As a high school senior at Ubah Medical Academy, Rahiina joined the Genesys Works program with a clear vision: to gain a deeper understanding of the corporate world, enhance her networking skills, and explore opportunities that would help turn her dreams into reality.
Coming from Somali immigrant parents, Rahiina has witnessed firsthand the power of opportunity and perseverance. From the very first days of summer training, Genesys Works pushed her beyond her comfort zone, helping her build self-confidence and trust in her own abilities. The experience not only improved her communication skills in both every day and professional settings but also taught her how to confidently initiate conversations with new people.
Throughout summer training and throughout her internship, Rahiina has developed key professional skills such as networking, time management, teamwork, and project collaboration. These experiences have shaped her into a more capable and self-assured Young Professional.
Reflecting on her journey, Rahiina acknowledges the many mentors and peers who have been instrumental in her success. “I have so many supportive mentors and peers in my life. Many of them I work with at my internship, including Yisak, a college intern who has helped pave the way for me—not just in this internship, but for college as well. My supervisor, Mark, has always encouraged my ideas and pushed me to make the most of every resource available. I also want to recognize Carrie, Cory, Lee, and Roger—each of them has played a significant role in my growth. And, Jared, the director, has been invaluable in guiding me through college decisions and the next steps in my life. But above all, my biggest supporter has always been my mom. She has kept me focused on my education and has been my rock every step of the way.”
Rahiina’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Through Genesys Works, she has not only gained practical skills but also the confidence and connections needed to succeed on her path to becoming a mechanical engineer.
Yisak’s Journey: Building a Strong Foundation for the Future
As a college student at Minneapolis Community and Technical College majoring in Computer Science, Yisak dedicates much of his time to studying and preparing for his future. Yet, his ambition drives him to seize every opportunity for growth. In addition to his coursework, he serves as an Alumni Intern at Capella University and is an active participant in the Genesys Works Talent Development Pipeline (TDP), where he benefits from educational workshops and transformative experiences that expand his personal and professional skill sets.
Perseverance and adaptability define Yisak’s journey. His path with Genesys Works began in high school when he recognized the program as a gateway to real-world experience and opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach. Determined to challenge himself and lay a strong foundation for his future, Yisak reflects on the invaluable skills and support systems that have shaped his professional development.
“Genesys Works has helped me develop a solid foundation in both technical and professional skills. I’ve gained hands-on experience in IT support, troubleshooting, and working with various hardware and software. Beyond the technical side, I’ve also strengthened my communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Learning how to manage my time, collaborate with diverse teams, and stay organized has significantly influenced how I approach challenges in both my professional and personal life.”
A key aspect of the Genesys Works internship is the unwavering support from workplace supervisors and colleagues. When asked about the individuals who have played a pivotal role in his professional journey, Yisak credits the mentorship he has received at Capella University.
“My coworkers at Capella University have been instrumental in my growth. When I first started, I was a curious intern, always eager to learn about the more technical aspects of their work and the paths they took to get where they are. They never hesitated to answer my questions, share their knowledge, and guide me as I built my skills. Their mentorship pushed me to take on more responsibility, think critically, and step outside my comfort zone. Through their support, I’ve gained not only technical expertise but also the confidence to take initiative and challenge myself in ways I wouldn’t have before.”
Yisak’s story exemplifies the profound impact of Genesys Works in preparing Young Professionals for success. By stepping into a corporate environment before even finishing high school, interns like Yisak gain a head start in developing crucial skills, refining their abilities, and becoming adaptable, capable professionals. His journey serves as a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and early exposure to the professional world—elements that continue to shape his promising future.
Both Rahiina and Yisak exemplify the transformative impact of the Genesys Works program. Their experiences demonstrate how early exposure to the professional world, combined with mentorship and perseverance, shape the next generation of skilled, confident, and driven professionals.
How Our Corporate Partners Benefit From Having Interns
Since 2012, Genesys Works has been an integral part of Capella University’s culture. Each year, Capella University opens its doors to high school and college students like Rahiina and Yisak, offering them meaningful, hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world.
Mark Sturm, Associate Manager of the IT Hardware team and intern supervisor at Capella University, has witnessed firsthand the impact the Genesys Works program has—not only on the interns but also on those who mentor them.
At Capella University, Genesys Works interns support the IT Hardware team with tasks ranging from laptop deployment and recovery, to troubleshooting technical issues, to creating and maintaining internal documentation. While the role is rooted in logistics and support, its value extends far beyond technical tasks—it’s about developing the next generation of IT professionals. Mark shares his perspective on the program’s impact and highlights the mutual benefits it brings to both students and corporate partners alike.
Q: In what ways have you grown as a supervisor and IT professional from this opportunity?
A: “The best way to learn something is to teach it. In sharing more about corporate IT life with those who have not yet experienced it, I myself see it through new eyes. This can occasionally lead to re-examining long-held traditional ways of doing things to see if they are still valuable or simply fall into the bucket of we do it because it’s always been done that way. The fresh perspective that comes with mentoring through Genesys Works can breed helpful change in and of itself.”
Q: How has Capella benefited from having Genesys Works interns?
A: “Capella University has benefited from having interns in several ways. Overall, we have noticed that Genesys Works interns are very coachable and good-mannered. This makes for an improved working environment. They routinely are of tremendous help to us in a wide variety of tasks. Additionally, the interns provide mentoring experience to several of our team members.”
Q: Based on your experiences with our interns, how do you see a year-long internship helping young people shape their futures?
A: “I’ve witnessed many interns begin their time with us as high school seniors and end it as something more. They frequently achieve a greater professional confidence and vastly improve their IT technical skills. Relative to their peers, this offers them a significant leg up in the business world.”
Q: How have you seen the interns transform throughout their internship?
A: “The interns come to understand more about corporate life—how people dress, talk, communicate, relate to each other, and so on. It is very exciting to see them begin to absorb and emulate – almost like watching someone begin to understand a foreign language and go on to gain a level of fluency.”
Q: Anything else you would want our partners, companies/businesses, and donors to know?
A: “In our experience, Genesys Works does a good job of vetting and training apt and interested Young Professionals. This, in turn, makes the role of mentor a rewarding one.”
If you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about the Genesys Works program and how they can partner with us visit our website here for more information and contact details.
