QuickBridge partnered with California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) and non-profit OC United to sponsor its fourth internship program for CSUF Guardian Scholars. Four students were selected for three days of onsite job experience at QuickBridge’s Irvine headquarters. Upon completion, the sophomore and junior students each were awarded a $1,000 scholarship and an ongoing mentorship opportunity with a QuickBridge team member.

The Guardian Scholar interns gained real-world business experience through:

• Job-shadowing marketing, sales, human resources, and credit team mentors.
• Learning what education is needed for jobs in human resources, marketing, accounting, sales, and operations.
• Taking skills tests, attending hands-on resume workshops, and engaging in a mock job interview session.
• Enjoying networking opportunities with QuickBridge team members and managers.

Selection requirements for the intern positions included being a CSUF Guardian Scholar in good standing and submitting an essay on why they wanted to participate in the program. This season’s internship attracted students majoring in marketing, social work, and musical theater—all of whom voiced an interest in honing their sales and marketing skills and/or running a business of their own one day.

The goal of the QuickBridge program is to help the interns sharpen their educational, business, and interpersonal communication skills. But the students often end up experiencing lessons in personal development as well, as conversations evolve from discussions of what makes a business healthy to how personal credit health and financial responsibility can affect one’s future.

“I expected to learn how the business works, but my expectations were exceeded,” remarked one intern. “Being able to consistently speak with the president and upper-level managers of the organization – and to see firsthand how my education can be applied in the ‘real’ world – was the cherry on top.”

President Ben Gold said the company’s fourth internship program once again reinforced QuickBridge’s corporate commitment to making a difference in the lives of those supported by OC United.

“The Guardian Scholars internship continues to be one of the most positive experiences we offer—both for the students who visit us and the team members who get to interact with them,” Gold said. “We appreciate the fresh perspectives and eager attitudes these special students bring. It’s always a mutually beneficial learning experience, and we love the lasting relationships we get to build as a result of the program.”