BUILDING A STRONGER INTERNSHIP ECOSYSTEM IN NH
A collaboration with Bangor Savings Bank and Stay Work Play
with findings from summer intern, Carleigh Brown
Think back on when you were first starting out in your career as an intern (or maybe you’re reading this in that exact position)!
Did you know exactly where to look?
Were you able to be easily connected with individuals and organizations who could assist?
Were you overwhelmed by too many choices, or conversely, were you not finding the right choices for you and your interests?
Do you believe that it had a strong impact on your eventual career path?
Also, were you even paid?!
At Stay Work Play, we often hear from YPs (and employers alike) that these resources and connections can sometimes be challenging to come across — even when opportunities are available. So we decided to join forces with Bangor Savings Bank to take on the important task of consolidating New Hampshire’s resources and information regarding all things internship and kicking off one’s career in the 603.
Read on as we chat with the inaugural intern on the project, Carleigh Brown, and David Pease, SVP, Director of Talent, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Bangor Savings Bank on the overall approach, the outcome, and why we chose to put the work in collaboratively on behalf of both interns and employers in NH.
Stay Work Play: Can you introduce yourself and share what drew you to this internship with Bangor Savings Bank and Stay Work Play?
Carleigh Brown: As a rising senior studying Economics at the University of New Hampshire, I was drawn to Bangor Savings Bank’s robust summer internship program for its rotational structure and project-based approach. The opportunity to collaborate with Stay Work Play on developing their internship framework for the focus of my project was an invaluable experience that was hard to pass up. The work that SWP is doing for young people in the state of New Hampshire is not only essential, but also hits close to home for me as a college student who is beginning to consider how and where I might fit into the workforce.
SWP: What is the primary focus of your internship project this summer?
CB: The primary focus of my internship project this summer is to utilize Stay Work Play’s network of contacts and resources to strengthen internship support across the state. I’m compiling comprehensive materials, such as student and employer toolkits, to guide best practices, while also laying the groundwork for future networking opportunities between interns and employers. The goal is to create a more cohesive and accessible internship ecosystem that benefits both young professionals and employers alike in our state.
SWP: Why do you think internships are so important for young people in New Hampshire?
CB: Internships are important for young people because they create a bridge between knowledge attained in the educational setting and practical application in a workforce environment. In a state like New Hampshire, which has one of the oldest workforces in the country, this connection is especially important. The economic challenges tied to an aging workforce make it critical to create opportunities for younger generations to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and recognize the value of building their careers here in New Hampshire.
SWP: What are some of the key insights or challenges you’ve uncovered so far in your research?
CB: One of the most evident insights from my research is that while New Hampshire offers a wide range of resources to support interns, these tools and platforms often feel disconnected or scattered. There’s no centralized hub to guide students through their internship journey, which can make the process unnecessarily overwhelming. On the flip side, I’ve also discovered that New Hampshire’s workforce is incredibly abundant in diverse industries and passionate employers!
SWP: How are you thinking about the connection between internships and long-term talent retention in the state?
CB: Simply put, internships give students a chance to explore career paths, form local connections, and envision themselves staying (and working and playing!) here. When those experiences are meaningful and connected to real opportunities, students leave an internship with a reason to come back.
SWP: What has been the most rewarding or surprising part of this experience so far?
CB: The most rewarding part of this internship experience has been to work at the intersection of two amazing organizations: Stay Work Play and Bangor Savings Bank. Being part of the bank’s structured, educational program has equipped me with valuable insights and experience, while my work with SWP has given me the chance to contribute to a project with meaningful, tangible impact. The dual exposure to two very different, but equally impactful organizations has been especially fulfilling.
SWP: How do you hope your work this summer will create lasting impact?
CB: I remember feeling completely overwhelmed when I began my internship search last fall, uncertain where to look, how to apply, or whether I’d even find an opportunity that aligned with my career goals. That feeling of uncertainty has shaped the way I approach my work with Stay Work Play this summer. My hope is that others like myself would be able to utilize these resources and feel confident in their internship success in NH. If even one student feels a little less lost and a bit more hopeful about launching their career in this state, I’ll consider it a success!
SWP: Has your internship experience motivated you to explore a career in NH?
CB: Prior to this internship, I was admittedly influenced by some myths about New Hampshire’s workforce, perhaps a result of being raised in one of the state’s very small towns. I believed the narrative that most professionals here are over the age of 40, or that the only industries thriving in the state are construction-related.
I also thought there simply wasn't space for young professionals to connect and have fun. However, this experience has completely shifted that perspective. Serving on the jury for Stay Work Play’s Rising Star Awards introduced me to thriving YP networks across the state, some with hundreds of members, as well as a variety of forward-thinking employers who truly invest in early-career talent. Many offer YP focused benefits as well as support for YPs to hold leadership roles in the company.
This summer I’ve gained a new appreciation for the opportunities that exist in NH.
Next up, David Pease
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Next up, David Pease ⬇
SWP: What inspired Bangor Savings Bank to partner with Stay Work Play on this unique internship initiative?
DP: Bangor Savings Bank was inspired to partner with Stay Work Play on this internship initiative as part of its broader commitment to fostering community engagement, professional development, and regional talent retention. Through this collaboration, the bank aims to help shape a meaningful internship framework that provides educational and networking opportunities beyond traditional work experience, empowering students across New Hampshire to explore diverse career options.
This partnership reflects Bangor Savings Bank’s core values of DEIB and community service, offering interns hands-on experience in banking along with exposure to volunteerism, leadership development, and multiple career pathways. The initiative is designed to help interns build lasting connections and envision long-term careers not only in Northern New England but, more specifically, in New Hampshire.
SWP: Can you share a bit about BSB’s approach to internships and how it reflects your company values?
DP: Bangor Savings Bank’s internship program offers a meaningful, project-based experience for six to eight external interns each summer, along with part-time internal interns. Interns are assigned to a host department and team, working on meaningful projects that will be implemented at the Bank at some point. Throughout the 12-week program, they participate in weekly department tours to understand how different teams collaborate and contribute to the Bank’s success. Professional and personal development is integral to the experience.
Through partnerships with Maine Career Catalyst, interns engage in educational programming focused on DEIB, career growth, and networking with leaders from Bangor Savings Bank and across other Maine’s industries. We also emphasize relationship-building and encourage interns to explore various departments beyond their assignments. Community is central to our values, interns take part in paid volunteer projects with our Talent, Diversity & Belonging team. This program reflects our three core values: caring for employees first, so they can better serve customers, and together help communities thrive while building a stronger workforce.
At the program’s end, interns present their projects and experiences to senior leadership, showcasing how their work supports the Bank’s strategic goals. Our internship is not major-focused; we hire for the person, encouraging a broad view of career possibilities and mutual learning.
SWP: Why is it important for businesses to invest in creating high-quality internship experiences?
DP: At Bangor Savings Bank, it’s not just about investing in a high-quality internship program. It’s about creating a once-in-a-lifetime, rewarding, and holistic experience where interns engage in impactful work, build meaningful relationships, and most importantly, have FUN.
Our summer interns gain hands-on experience to the banking industry, while also learning how Bangor Savings Bank differentiates itself from competitors through our mission, values, culture, and commitment to community. We give interns a voice; encouraging them to share ideas, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully to the work we do. This approach helps build a strong talent pipeline by identifying and training future employees early, often leading to higher retention and reduced hiring costs.
Investing in exceptional internship experiences also enhances employer branding, making the company more attractive to top candidates through positive word-of-mouth and visibility. Interns bring fresh perspectives, up-to-date knowledge, and innovative ideas, challenge and help find solutions to existing processes. These experiences support career exploration, helping students clarify their interests and goals while building valuable professional connections.
For our current employees, internships create mentorship opportunities that allow them to expand their leadership skills and contribute to talent development. Ultimately, interns who transition into part-time or full-time roles tend to align more closely with company culture and contribute to long-term organizational growth.
SWP: How do you see this partnership helping to scale internship opportunities across New Hampshire?
DP: This partnership has the potential to significantly scale internship opportunities across New Hampshire by creating a more unified, accessible, and impactful approach to early career development. By collaborating with educational institutions, community organizations, and employers, we can streamline pathways for students to access meaningful, hands-on experiences that align with their interests and career goals. It enables the sharing of best practices, tools, and networks making it easier for smaller businesses and nonprofits to host interns who might not otherwise have the capacity.
Our hope is that the research, tools, and insights Carleigh gained through her internship with Bangor Savings Bank, along with her collaboration with Corinne and Stephen at Stay Work Play, will help both the employer and student toolkits become strong frameworks and guides whether an organization is building a robust internship program or a university is helping a student find the right internship opportunity. A coordinated effort like this helps ensure internships are inclusive and structured for long-term success, benefiting students while strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline.
SWP: What advice would you give to other businesses considering launching or expanding an internship program?
DP: 1. Create a Meaningful & Rewarding Experience: Design internships around real, project-based work. Complete a capstone project and present it to Organizations leadership.
2. Orientation: First impressions matter. Make orientation engaging, interactive, and collaborative to set the tone for a positive and impactful internship experience. After completing HR logistics (allow approximately 4 hours), schedule time for Executive Leaders such as the CEO and COO to host meet-and-greet sessions. Include opportunities for interns to learn about the organization’s culture, values, and strategic plan to help them feel connected and informed from day one.
3. Offer a Defined Timeline: Structure the program clearly – Most internship for 12 weeks (June to August), giving interns time to contribute meaningfully.
4. Provide Paid, Full-Time Opportunities: Ensure internships are in-person and equitable. Offering paid, in-person opportunities helps students feel valued, provides meaningful hands-on experience, and fosters collaboration and deeper connections with peers and professionals for personal and professional growth and learning.
5. Build in Professional Development: Find organizations like Maine Career Catalyst and Stay Work Play to offer educational programming and networking.
6. Support Career Exploration: Give interns a behind-the-scenes look at your industry by scheduling time with various departments. This allows interns to meet with department leaders and key stakeholders, gain insight into each department’s role, understand how they contribute to the organization’s success, and see how cross-functional collaboration drives impact across the business.
7. Encourage Community Engagement: Include opportunities for interns to give back with volunteer opportunities.
8. Make It Unique and Fun: Go beyond the basics; include collaborative projects, team-building activities, and organization wide events to create a memorable experience.
Huge thank you to Carleigh for her hard work on this important project, and to our valued Board of Advisors member, Bangor Savings Bank, for their support!
Stay tuned for the next steps of this ongoing project.
Follow along with our socials, @stayworkplay!