From Intern to Employee Owner: A Junior Associate Journey

My first internship experience began the summer after my freshman year of college. I was eager to take my first step into the working world, but I also had questions. Would my voice matter? What kind of impact could I make? What would I learn about myself along the way?

Any uncertainty I felt quickly disappeared on my first day at Global Prairie. I was immediately welcomed into meetings, conversations, and project teams.

I soon discovered that the Junior Associate program at Global Prairie is unlike a typical internship. Rather than treating us as temporary support, Global Prairie welcomed us as contributing members of the team, giving us exposure to real-world work experience that provided a valuable complement to our ongoing formal education. I wasn’t completing hypothetical assignments—I was contributing to meaningful projects alongside experienced professionals. During my first summer as a Junior Associate, I worked on a team with other Junior Associates to create and pitch a new social media strategy to one of our Global Prairie clients. With only guidance and support from full-time team members, that level of trust built my confidence and reinforced that my perspective and contributions added tangible value.

Because of this, Global Prairie favors the term “Junior Associate,” over “intern.” “Junior Associate” is a title that speaks to our trusted role, contributing value to client projects, collaborating across teams, learning from distinguished professionals during Guest Speaker Sessions, and adding to the Global Prairie culture.

I also quickly learned that the unique culture is foundational to the success and growth of Global Prairie. It’s woven into how we communicate, how we innovate, and how we serve our valued clients. The Global Prairie culture is strengthened by their identity as a 100% employee-owned, award-winning Certified B Corporation (B Corp) where business success is measured not only by financial performance, but also by the positive impact on people and the planet.

The Global Prairie culture is also reflected and exemplified in the mentors who coach, advocate, and serve as trusted guides during the Junior Associate program, providing encouragement and perspective throughout the experience. Research supports the value of mentorship experiences like these. According to Gallup and the Strada Educational Network, supportive mentor relationships are associated with higher levels of workplace engagement and long-term professional success. At Global Prairie, that impact is evident.

As a leader of the Global Prairie Junior Associate program and Global Prairie employee owner, Marti Johnson has seen firsthand the impact mentorship makes. Johnson shared,

“What sets our program apart is our mentors. Year after year, every Junior Associate tells us their mentor relationship was the most meaningful part of their experience.”

Although Junior Associates work across different offices, teams, and client accounts, Global Prairie coordinates several group projects, specifically for the Junior Associate cohort. One example of a group project that brings them together throughout the summer is the annual Global Prairie Impact Report, which is a publication that highlights Global Prairie’s accomplishments, community impact, and growth milestones from the past year, as well as future goals.

Presenting the Global Prairie Impact Report to the entire company was one of the defining moments of my internship. That was when I realized how much I had learned and how much public speaking confidence I had gained—in just a few short months.

One of the most energizing parts of the experience was learning how many current Global Prairie employee owners began their careers as Junior Associates. This program is not just an internship—it’s a pathway to a career.

Employee owner, Delaney Pummill, began as a Junior Associate in 2021 and today serves as a Director of Client Partnership. Pummill says, “The intentionality and care that goes into the Junior Associate experience truly sets Global Prairie apart from ever being considered a ‘normal internship program.’ From day one, our Junior Associates are immediately welcomed as part of the team, trusted with meaningful work, and supported every step of the way by a mentor and coach.”

Having started my career journey at Global Prairie as a Junior Associate, I strongly echo Delaney’s sentiments. My transition to full-time work felt seamless. By the time I became a Global Prairie employee owner, I already understood the culture, had built meaningful relationships with my colleagues, and had confidence in the value I could contribute. The Global Prairie Junior Associate experience didn't just prepare me for a job—it laid the foundation for a fulfilling career. If you’re interested in applying for a Junior Associate position at Global Prairie, visit our website and submit your application. We’d love to hear from you.