Shaping Collier County: "It Starts with Our Swimmers"

At the Chamber we frequently get asked by our business community how interns are beneficial to their company. Not only do these opportunities engage, prepare and retain our local talent, interns instantly add value to the culture, perspective and productivity of any organization.

But don't just take it from us! Hear how beneficial an intern can be first-hand from Lindsay Pursglove, PhD, MBA, Owner-Operator of Swimtastic Swim Schools of SW Florida.

1. Who was your intern and how was the overall experience? 
Ruth-Ann Baker, a student at Gulf Coast High School, joined Swimtastic this past summer and she was the best addition to our squad. Ruth was professional from day one in her interview; she has been coach-able and is always willing to help. As an intern she went through all the training and requirements of any Swimtastic employee and she excelled at every task given to her. She made a connection with our staff, swim families, and due to her dedication to her swim students she has accepted to stay on with us as a swim instructor. 

2. What do you suggest other companies understand when hiring an intern?
We worked together to understand Ruth’s goals and cater her experience. Together our team exposed her to opportunities that will help her now and into the future. So many young students do not necessarily realize how many career opportunities are out there. It was great to see Ruth learn about the aquatics industry in sport management, and to see her thrive as she is learning how to be a lifeguard and swim instructor.

3. How did hiring an intern impact your business?
Ruth has had a positive impact on our business. She has taken on her own schedule of swim classes, teaching swimmers 6 months through adults. Teaching swimming is a huge responsibility, service drives our business and results keeps our swim families with us, so our instructors are trained to be the best, be consistent, and deliver a quality lesson. The lesson plans, skill set progressions, and curriculum are designed to make every swimmer a life long swimmer that is safe and has a positive relationship with the water. It is the swim instructor who is impacting each swimmer weekly in our program and helping them become confident in any water environment.

4. Would you hire another intern?
Yes, we can’t wait to expose more students to the aquatics industry.

5. Would you recommend hiring an intern to other businesses?
Yes, I would and have recommended it to multiple connections in the Naples area. I fully believe internships are some of the best experiences you can receive as a student. My hope is that other businesses all nurture these young adults and have a great experience with them!

Are you or your business thinking about hiring an intern? Click here to learn more or contact alex@napleschamber.org