“The most rewarding part of managing an intern is watching them grow in their skills and abilities over the year, and their self-confidence, as well,” shared Robert Collier, IT Infrastructure Manager at Patterson Companies and Genesys Works intern supervisor.
Collier is no ordinary supervisor in the Genesys Works program. For the past 18 years, he has dedicated himself to mentoring interns at Patterson Companies—making him the longest-serving Genesys Works intern supervisor—sharing his expertise and guiding them through their first professional experiences.
He describes the transformation he sees each year as one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. “The new interns come in with a deer-in-the-headlights look, but as they work with our team, develop their skills, and realize they really can do this job, their confidence skyrockets.”
Collier recalls a particularly shy student who initially struggled to step into her role with confidence. “She was so quiet to begin with; we weren’t sure she would succeed,” he shared. “Eventually she gained more confidence in herself and the skills she developed and by the end of the year as we had the new crop of interns coming in, she took a leadership role in helping cross-train them in preparing for the new year.”
That early experience has stayed with him, as he shares this aspect of the program has been so rewarding—watching an intern grow their skills and abilities over the year, as well as their self-confidence and engagement in their own growth.
Collier often sees similar moments of growth reflected across interns in the program today. One current example is Mary Alemu, a first-generation University of Minnesota student and intern at Patterson Companies, who is experiencing her own version of growth under her supervisor’s guidance.
“I was scared that I wasn’t built for corporate life and that I wouldn’t enjoy it,” Alemu shared. “Genesys Works and Patterson Companies made me feel very welcomed. It felt like I had an opportunity.”
Genesys Works intern supervisors are instrumental in shaping the next generation of IT professionals. By investing time in mentorship, coaching, and skill development, they create an environment where student interns can thrive. Their guidance helps interns build professional confidence needed for long-term success.
“My experience as an intern has made me more passionate about what I want to pursue, and it gave me the push to pursue it,” Alemu said. “That wouldn’t have been solidified without my internship and my work with my supervisor.”
Collier says he continues to mentor Genesys Works interns year after year because of the long-term impact he sees in them. For him, the experience goes beyond training. It’s about watching students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and move closer to their goals. He also notes that many former interns return to share their progress with him at events, often having gone on to succeed in college and beyond—and a few interns have even been hired in full-time positions at Patterson.
The impact, he says, is mutual. Collier describes the partnership between Genesys Works and corporate organizations as a “win-win-win.” Interns gain meaningful mentorship and real-world experience, companies benefit from their contributions, and future academic and career opportunities gain individuals better prepared for their futures.
“There’s nothing better than seeing these high school students blossom as their skills and abilities grow,” reflected Collier. “They become more comfortable in their role, they’re more outgoing and engaging with the teams and users and truly appreciate how far they’ve come. I love the engagement and the fact they are an integral part of our team and the work we do.”
