Bridging the Gap: What Parents Think vs. What Students Need
Parents may not always see what their kids face in college. Learn how campuses can bridge the gap by focusing on what students truly need to feel supported and succeed.
Unlocking Student Potential: Inside Sodexo’s Global Internship Program
At Sodexo, we believe in nurturing the future by investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Our global student internship program is a shining example of how partnering with a world-class organization can unleash student potential through real-world, experiential learning.
This summer, six exceptional students from across three universities — the University at Albany, University of Cincinnati and SUNY Oneonta — embarked on an unforgettable journey that spanned continents and career-building opportunities.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Global, Real-World Experiences
These interns traveled across the globe to either Dublin, Ireland or Newcastle, England and immersed themselves in diverse work environments where they gained invaluable professional insights.
In Newcastle, for instance, the students were involved in a fascinating array of projects — including conducting market research and holding focus groups — which ultimately helped them plan the launch of a new coffee shop at Northumbria University. These students even had the honor of choosing the name of this new coffee shop — which I won’t reveal just yet, since it doesn’t open until next school year.
For these students, this wasn’t just an assignment; it was a genuine experience in entrepreneurship, branding and customer engagement.
Other interns got to dive into business analysis and efficiency planning, including looking at supplies, equipment and cleaning audits at 25 different Sodexo Corporate Services sites across Ireland. This work is as broad as it is a meaningful learning experience offering invaluable insights for these students.
From our research, including the Sodexo 2024-25 Student Lifestyle Survey, it’s clear that colleges can no longer rely solely on academic learning to prepare students for the future. Students today are on a journey to become their future selves and expect their college experience to help guide them along the way. Programs like ours give students the confidence and practical skills they need to navigate this complex world
The top three life skills students told us they want to learn are money management, dealing with stress and time management — and we keep this knowledge front and center when placing interns on projects during the program.
From Interns to Changemakers: Cultivating Growth and Shaping Bright Futures
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of staying in touch with many of our interns, witnessing firsthand the incredible transformation they undergo. In just four weeks, these young adults return home changed — more confident, more capable and more prepared to step boldly into their futures. It’s truly inspiring to see them evolve into the professionals they aspire to be.
I had the unique opportunity to see the program in action myself during a visit to Dublin in 2024. Witnessing these students learn, grow and tackle challenges firsthand was transformational — not only for the students, but for me as well. Knowing that Sodexo plays a role in shaping their futures is profoundly rewarding.
Our internship program has sent students to countries like France, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Ireland and England — a testament to how small the world becomes when you leverage the global connections Sodexo offers. Each destination provides unique cultural and professional experiences, enriching our interns’ perspectives and skill sets.
Looking ahead, we’re working hard to scale this program, eager to broaden its impact and reach even more students. It’s about more than just internships — it’s about investing in our future workforce. These students are bright, ambitious and ready to take on the world. Truly, the world is their oyster — and with the support of Sodexo’s global platform, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
Curious how Sodexo makes every moment of the college experience count toward student success? Explore our latest blogs below!
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