Pioneering Creativity Through Impactful Internships at InSource Solutions
InSource Solutions is dedicated to nurturing talent and offering hands-on experiences through internships. Cody Miller took a chance on our marketing internship this summer and brought his unique background and graphic design expertise to our team, contributing innovative ideas and creative solutions. We thank every student who has selected our internship program and exceeded our expectations. Our intern, Cody Miller, certainly did so for the Marketing Department. While developing new skills relevant to his field of study and interests, he assisted the marketing team in various capacities. By introducing fresh ideas, Cody demonstrated his ability to think outside the box and supported the team in implementing aspects of the marketing plan.
Cody began his marketing journey in an unexpected place: politics. He was involved in a local political group, contributing to their branding and social media efforts. This involvement helped Cody find his voice and learn how to communicate with people of different personalities. Working with the group, he discovered his interest in communication and design. Despite having minimal experience in graphic design, he used his skills to create game textures and social media content, which became essential to his political group. His ability to adapt and make a significant impact caught the attention of others, laying the foundation for his future internship in the marketing department at InSource.
When Cody applied for the internship at InSource Solutions, he wasn’t completely confident in his professional abilities, as marketing was still a new avenue. However, the straightforward and welcoming application process encouraged him to take the leap. During the interviews, Cody realized that InSource was a perfect fit, and he was offered the chance to grow his skills in a supportive environment through one of our internships.
Challenges and Learning Curves
Like any internship, Cody’s time at InSource came with challenges, mainly the steep learning curve associated with the manufacturing industry and the tools it uses. “The average person has no idea what HMI/SCADA is,” Cody noted, reflecting on the sector’s complexity. However, he embraced the challenge, spending time throughout his internship, sifting through product datasheets and content to understand the systems and processes at play.
Cody’s willingness to tackle these challenges head-on allowed him to grow significantly during his internship. He emphasized the value of hands-on learning, stating, “You can sit through a lecture all day, but when it’s a skill you’re trying to learn, the only way actually to learn it is to do it.”
During his internship, Cody took on a variety of projects that deepened his understanding of marketing within the manufacturing industry. He managed video production for internal and external campaigns, conducted equipment research, created engaging social media content, and played a crucial role in launching our first podcast, The Edge of Innovation. Cody’s eagerness to learn and apply his skills quickly earned him recognition. His exceptional editing abilities and knack for capturing an audience through video brought fresh perspectives to the team, showcasing imaginative ways to highlight InSource. By emphasizing internal footage over stock content, Cody demonstrated how this approach makes our content more relatable, enhancing InSource’s brand authenticity and strengthening our connection with employees.
Culture Through Through His Lens
We’ve all heard the familiar claim: “Our company culture is unique; we’re like a family.” While these statements can sometimes feel overstated, Cody found that InSource’s culture genuinely lives up to its brand. He described it as a place that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation. What stood out most to him was InSource’s unique approach to allowing employees the freedom to try and fail within a supportive environment—a rare and valuable opportunity. The fear of making mistakes can be daunting for any employee, especially an intern. Still, the support Cody received from his team, and the trust placed in his abilities significantly shaped his experience. “I didn’t think I would get to have this much creativity and freedom in what I do,” Cody reflected, expressing his gratitude for the chance to work on meaningful projects.
Cody also appreciated the diverse personalities within the company, noting how each team member brought unique perspectives to the table. This collaborative environment made the work enjoyable and enriched the outcomes of the projects he contributed to. His experience reached a new level during InSource Solutions’ Annual Shareholders Meeting—a unique aspect of the internship that gave him a deeper look into the company’s culture and values.
The Shareholders Meeting gathers all members of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to celebrate the year’s achievements, engage with leadership, and deepen their understanding of what being part of an ESOP means. Given that InSource operates primarily as a remote company, face-to-face interactions are rare and invaluable, making the meeting a highlight for many. For Cody, this was more than just an assembly; it was an immersive experience in the heart of InSource’s community.
Tasked with capturing the essence of the gathering, Cody skillfully documented moments through video and photography, showcasing how diverse personalities within the company harmoniously collaborate and bring their unique strengths to the table. Through his lens, Cody highlighted the camaraderie, enthusiasm, and collective spirit that define InSource. The visuals he produced served as a memento of the event and a testament to the company’s vibrant and cohesive workforce, for which we are forever grateful.
Looking to the Future
As Cody’s internship comes to a close, he reflects on the growth he has experienced and the exciting possibilities ahead. While the allure of working for a large corporation is undeniable, Cody finds more significant value in contributing to a company like InSource, where his efforts can directly influence the company’s future within the industry.
“I could see myself working at a company like InSource,” Cody shared, envisioning a future where he continues to apply his vision and creativity in impactful ways.
InSource Solutions is proud to have provided Cody with an internship that exceeded his expectations and helped him develop his skills in meaningful ways. We look forward to seeing where his journey takes him next and will genuinely miss having him on the marketing team.
For students majoring in Business or STEM, the right internship can offer invaluable real-world experience and essential skills for your chosen career. At InSource, we allow our interns to acquire these crucial skills while exploring the dynamic and ever-evolving manufacturing industry.
Want more information on careers or internships at InSource? Check out our careers page and apply today!