Building and Growing Wellabe’s Internship Program
We have built and evolve our internship program through the years into a meaningful, structured experience that supports both student development and our organization’s long-term talent strategy. This year marks the ninth year of our internship program, and each year it continues to grow in size, scope and impact. In 2026, we are proud to welcome 20 interns, our largest cohort to date, reflecting both organizational commitment and strong demand for the program.
From the beginning, my goal has been to create an internship program that is more than a summer job. The program is intentionally designed to provide real-world experience, skill development, exposure to career paths and a strong sense of connection and belonging. I help lead the end-to-end planning and execution of the program, including workforce planning with leaders, role scoping, recruiting, selection, onboarding, ongoing engagement and program evaluation.
Our internship program follows a structured, cohort-based format that balances hands-on work with learning and professional development. Interns are placed on meaningful projects aligned to their academic background and career interests, ensuring their work adds value while also building practical skills. Each intern has a designated manager and mentor to provide guidance, feedback and exposure to day-to-day professional environments.
Tip: Interns from across Greater Des Moines (DSM) can take advantage of the DSM Intern Connection series to make the most of their internship experience and connect with community leaders.
About the Wellabe Internship Program
Program components include:
- A formal onboarding experience to set expectations and establish connection
- Professional development sessions focused on workplace skills, career readiness and networking
- Exposure to leaders and teams through panels, coffee chats, and presentations
- Opportunities for collaboration across intern roles and departments
- A final project that allows interns to apply what they’ve learned and showcase their impact
As the program has grown, we have continuously refined its structure based on intern feedback and business needs. This has included expanding development opportunities, improving manager resources and strengthening the overall intern experience for both onsite and remote participants. The result is a program that remains adaptable while maintaining consistency across cohorts.
A key success of the program is its sustainable growth. Each year, demand from leaders to host interns has increased, and return interest from schools and students continues to strengthen. The program has also served as a pipeline for early‑career talent, allowing us to identify, develop and retain high‑potential individuals who are already familiar with our culture and values.
After nine years, the internship program has become a recognized and valued part of our organization. Its continued growth, structure, and positive outcomes reflect intentional design, strong partnerships, and a commitment to developing future talent. I am proud of the foundation that has been built and excited to continue evolving the program in the years ahead.
Learn more about Wellabe opportunities at wellabe.com.
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