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Here at Vault, we’ve made it our business to know what makes a good internship program. In this series, we’re examining the four pillars of an impactful internship program and how each supports the growth and success of students. Our third pillar is Company Culture. It’s important for interns to be immersed in the company and its culture during their internship program, both because it keeps the interns engaged and lets them know what to expect if/when they join the company full-time.
I spoke to recruiting professionals at The Home Depot, one of the country’s largest home improvement stores. The Home Depot is known for its strong culture, which naturally extends to its internship program. The company was kind enough to offer its perspective on the importance of culture when it comes to attracting and retaining interns.
How does your company welcome and integrate interns into its culture?
The Home Depot: The Home Depot’s culture is shaped by how we take care of our people, support our customers, and give back to our communities. Interns are welcomed into our culture through an onboarding process that introduces them to our core values and emphasizes the importance of teamwork. From day one, they’re paired with mentors who provide guidance and support, helping them to develop the tools that will allow them to grow their careers. By collaborating with cross-functional teams and contributing to meaningful large-scale projects, our interns quickly become immersed in our company culture, where their ideas are valued, innovation is encouraged, and they become part of something bigger.
What about your company’s culture is unique that interns can expect to experience?
The Home Depot: At The Home Depot, servant leadership is the heart of who we are. Interns at The Home Depot discover that our culture is shaped by our inverted pyramid model, where leaders actively support associates at every level. This spirit is highlighted through fireside chats with leaders, including our CEO, where interns learn about their career journeys, ask leaders questions, and receive real-time advice. These interactive sessions create meaningful opportunities for deep discussion and skill development that help interns feel seen and supported from day one. Our people-first approach also extends to community involvement and is experienced through our commitment to giving back. Interns volunteer with Team Depot, our associate volunteer program, to complete community service projects in Atlanta. Throughout the summer, our interns experience The Home Depot’s values in action and recognize the impact they can make both within the company and within our community.
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